The 3 main reasons why people seek orthodontic treatment are:

  • to improve facial and smile appearance
  • to improve oral health
  • to improve oral function

The positive changes produced by orthodontic treatment can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life and self-esteem. Research suggests that an attractive smile carries social benefits at all ages and levels of society, while an unattractive smile can be a significant social handicap.

Orthodontic treatment can improve oral health in several ways. Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean than crowded teeth. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Certain types of problems with the bite can contribute to damage of the teeth and/or gums (i.e. people with a severe overbite are at a higher risk of fracturing the upper front teeth). Other types of poor bites can contribute to uneven wearing of certain teeth and severe loss of gum tissue which can result in premature tooth loss. Certain bite issues can result in difficulty chewing, speaking properly and may exacerbate damage to teeth in people with clenching and grinding patterns.

Our society’s appreciation of these facts (and many others) have led to the increased numbers of children and adults that are seeking orthodontic treatment.