It’s a common question. People want to know if they need orthodontics for any medical reason or is the treatment purely for cosmetic reasons.
Aesthetics is Big Part of Orthodontics
There is no denying that in many cases orthodontics is only related to aesthetics. Most people are happy that there are no underlying oral health problems and continue to treatment. They understand the importance of a beautiful smile. They may be intending to have cosmetic surgery so using orthodontics to improve their appearance doesn’t concern them.
For other people, they wonder if they are too vain. They are concerned about peddling the theory that ‘appearance is everything today.’ If their child is having the treatment, they may worry if their child cares about their appearance as much as their well-meaning parent.
However, it’s not just aesthetics or cosmetic appearance that needs to be considered it’s much more.
Aesthetics Impact on Other Parts of our Life
Whether we like it or not, our appearance impacts on so many parts of our life. First impressions count and everyone we meet, judge us on our looks.
Our Appearance to Others
Countless research studies have shown the importance of facial features. A person gains a first impression by gathering information through appearance, body language, voice, and clothing.
Known as the halo effect, people assume a good-looking person has other positive qualities such as intelligence.
Children with crooked teeth or an uneven bite are often cruelly teased by their peers. The bullying can lead to lifelong psychological problems for some people.
Our Self-Image
However, it’s not just the impression of others that is important. As the saying goes, you can’t expect someone to love you if you don’t love yourself. Perhaps love is too strong a word, but if you don’t like your appearance, it’s unlikely that you are going to be a confident person.
This lack of confidence can impact on the type of jobs and promotions you apply for, your income level, the partners you choose, your relationship with friends and family to name just a few.
Considering Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child?
There are many advantages to starting orthodontic treatment for children at a young age. Improve your child’s smile and book an appointment!
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Medical Benefits of Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is used to treat a range of conditions. A congenital disability such as a deviated septum, cleft lip or palate can be improved with a combination of surgery and orthodontics.
An incorrect bite may need orthodontic treatment for the aesthetics, but the improved jaw position may improve sleep disorders and snoring and may improve future damage to teeth and gums and tooth grinding.
Some speech and chewing problems may be improved by orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics can reduce the complexity of future dental treatment. Correctly spaced teeth are easier to clean, less likely to become decayed, wear unevenly and when teeth have been lost, orthodontics can realign the remaining teeth to give the dentist the best chance of conservatively replacing the lost teeth.
Reason to Justify Orthodontics
Almost all patients who have orthodontics to treat a medical problem will see an aesthetic improvement as well. So, often the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
There is no need to justify orthodontic treatment on something other than aesthetics. As humans, we are hard-wired to do what we can to make ourselves as attractive as possible and no wonder, the benefits speak for themselves.
