Psychological impacts of an orthodontic treatment

An aesthetically beautiful smile is just one of the many benefits orthodontics offers. Bringing lips, teeth, and jaws into accurate alignment does not just help in creating great smiles, but ones that are healthy as well. Straight teeth are a lot easier to maintain and also tend to function better. Left untreated, orthodontic problems can get worse and lead to problems such as, gum diseases, tooth decay, difficulty in chewing, speech impairment and the like.

Most importantly, enhanced aesthetics increase confidence. This psychological benefit plays a significant role when patients decide to undergo an orthodontic treatment. People with unsightly teeth or appearance will be made fun of by their peers and that will automatically affect their social and psychological development. Also, according to dental experts, those people who have healthier smiles may be considered more attractive than others. These people are more likely to earn five to ten percent more than adults who have average looks. Hence, there is a distinctive bias in the market towards people that look good.

Orthodontics for children:

Most professionals recommend that the first visit of a child to the orthodontist must be between seven to nine years. Early detection helps the dentist to examine and evaluate the problems that might surface in jaw growth and in dental development. This in turn helps to plan proper treatment. In several cases, treatment might not be required till the child reaches a certain age. However, early treatment can be initiated in certain cases to avoid more serious issues.

Signs that a child might require a visit to the orthodontist-

• Reverse bite
• cross-bite
• protruding teeth
• deep bite
• crowded teeth
• thumb sucking
• missing teeth

Adult orthodontics:

A lot of people believe that braces are only for kids. The reality is, with advancement in the orthodontic treatment materials and techniques, a lot of people over the age of 21 are also seeking treatment. In fact, there has been a considerable increase in adult patients in recent years.

The biological process involved in pushing teeth is the same in older people as in children. Hence, orthodontic treatment can be done successfully at almost any age. However the approach and objective of a treatment might differ from children.

The need to be accepted in the society is something that we can never outgrow. A child or an adult who feels ugly due to misaligned jaws or crooked teeth may become extremely self-conscious and obsessed with his or her look. He/she might start covering the mouth when laughing or speaking, be socially handicapped or hesitate to smile. Suffice to say that a beautiful smile helps in enhancing our confidence to several notches. And attractive teeth are only the beginning. Improved oral health and general well-being are important benefits too.

When you feel embarrassed of your smile, the feeling can make you feel awful about yourself. And, on the other hand, when you begin to feel good about your facial appearance, it shows. You might not get that raise you have always been wanting, but you will discover a huge boost in your self-confidence after a smile makeover. You can smile more comfortably and freely, and will lead a happier life. However, it is important to choose an orthodontist carefully. Make sure the individual is fully qualified and does a thorough assessment of your mouth before prescribing treatment. CT scans are often utilized by orthodontists to get greater details so that they can plan the treatment accurately. Even though the orthodontic treatment is a bit costly it is certainly value for money as it offers positive social, psychological, and physical outcomes that occur as a consequence of it.