When people think about orthodontics, they may only think about straight teeth, but your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. The alignment and health of your teeth and bite affects overall well-being. Believe it or not, getting braces or Invisalign can improve overall wellness and correct health problems.
Say Goodbye to Pain
If your bite is off and jaw is strained by misaligned teeth, this can create an imbalance in other parts of your body too. The neck and shoulders are involved in the motions of the jaw. Strain on the jaw or tension in the jaw can develop when people work to stop themselves from grinding their teeth, or are grinding their teeth unconsciously.
Stop TMJ Problems
Chronic headaches are a possible alignment-related complication. Nightly teeth grinding is often the cause of this pain and leads to TMJ problems or is the result of a complication with the temporomandibular joint. Other symptoms include jaw pain, tenderness, and clicking of the jaw joints. The misalignment of the jawbone, and the irritation of tendons and joints, can be relaxed and put in their proper places with orthodontics and make TMJ issues fade away thanks to a more natural alignment.
Get Better Sleep
Many people suffer from sleep apnea, which can be caused by excess tissues in the throat and mouth or exacerbated by jaw misalignment. This difficulty breathing while sleeping leads to exhaustion and other potential health problems. Improving the position of the jaw can correct some of this problem and lead to better, healthier sleep.
Have Healthier Teeth
No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing your teeth, it can be difficult to clean them thoroughly when they’re crowded together, twisted, or even too far apart. Food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped and lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health problems. Straight teeth are much easier to clean and stay healthier for life with good at-home oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleanings.
Eliminate Sinus Problems
Your mouth and sinuses are right next door to each other and clearly linked. Any major teeth and jaw issues can easily impact the sinuses and make it difficult to breathe properly. You may often be stuffed up, speak with a nasal tone, or experience sinus pressure. When the structure of the mouth is adjusted with braces or Invisalign, this helps open restricted airways and creates new breath that many people didn’t even realize was possible.
Improve Confidence
It’s not just physical health that’s affected by your teeth – mental health is wrapped up in the appearance of your smile too. People who live with crooked, gapped, or unsightly teeth often feel self-conscious or anxious about smiling, speaking up, doing video calls, or showing their teeth in any way. If your personal or professional life is negatively affected by the condition of your teeth, it’s time to talk to an orthodontist about how braces can make a difference. Schedule a consultation with Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA, to learn more.
