Does orthodontics play a role in oral health?

Posted on 22 September 2016

September is National Oral Health Month. Dr Thinus Groenewald, a Mediclinic consulting orthodontist explains the role orthodontics plays in lifelong oral health.

While good oral health and hygiene are of utmost importance, orthodontic maintenance (the treatment of improper bites and crooked teeth) also plays a big role in ensuring a healthy mouth and is not only important for the sake of a beautiful smile.

Untreated it leads to oral health problems

Dr Thinus Groenewald, a Mediclinic consulting orthodontist cautions that not fixing orthodontic problems could result in any of the following unfavourable conditions:

• difficulty in maintaining oral health if teeth are misaligned
• tooth loss
• gum disease
• impaired chewing and speaking
• strain of the facial muscles that can lead to headaches and jaw pain
• a lack of self-confidence
• abnormal wear on teeth
• the risk of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) – dysfunction of the chewing muscles and joints

Alternatives to the metallic look

Dr Groenewald says that stainless steel attachments are still the most effective treatment option, but there are also other options including:

• transparent porcelain attachments
• attachments to the insides of the teeth (lingual braces)
• transparent plates (invisaline) that are only suitable for certain specific treatments – and this option can be very expensive.

When should your child first visit an orthodontist?

Some orthodontic problems need early treatment, but most often, the best time for your child’s first appointment is around the age of eight or nine, when the upper permanent incisors are present. Your orthodontist can give a prognosis on future problems and work on a solution to rule them out. It’s also important to help your young child grow accustomed to the orthodontist’s room, so that there won’t be any fear when it’s time for the treatment to start.

Help your teen embrace the braces

Should your children need orthodontic treatment, be sure that they follow these steps:

• Practise impeccable oral hygiene with proper tools designed for braces such as floss threaders, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully – yes, that means avoiding hard or chewy foods!
• Don’t chew on pens or other hard objects.
• Wear the retainers provided after treatment to ensure that the teeth do not move again.
• Go for regular orthodontic check-ups afterwards to ensure that the teeth are not moving.

And keep assuring your self-conscious child or teenager that braces are nothing to be embarrassed about. Even some of the most glamorous celebrities once wore braces!