The Benefits
What will I gain from orthodontic treatment?
| | |  The benefits of orthodontic treatment can include the following:
- Removal of dental crowding (or sometimes closing gaps)
- Alignment of the upper and lower dental arches
- Correction of the bite of the teeth so that the front teeth meet on closing and the back teeth mesh together
- Reducing the likelihood of damage to prominent teeth
- Enhancing facial aesthetics
- Accommodating impacted, unerupted or displaced teeth
- Preparation for advanced dental treatment, such as crowns, bridges or dental implants
- Reversing the drifting of the teeth in older patients who have suffered from advanced gum disease
| Will orthodontic treatment stop me getting gum disease or tooth decay? There is little evidence that orthodontic treatment in general confers such a benefit. However there are individual cases where treatment clearly has been beneficial. What about social and psychological benefits? Many patients will comment on how much they gain from a good smile. However research evidence for this has been rather elusive. A recent study by Shaw and co-workers (British Journal of Health Psychology January 22 2007) found no evidence of improved self-esteem, wheras another recent study by Johal (British Dental Journal 202 January 27 2007) showed that the quality of life was significantly improved. | | |
