Why Orthodontics?

American Association of Orthodontists›Resource Center›Why Orthodontics?

The Importance of Orthodontics

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic problems such as misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or shifting jaws, should be taken seriously. If left untreated, they could cause health issues down the line like tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wearing of tooth enamel, etc.

A few things that orthodontic treatment can do for you is…

Ensure proper function of teeth
Create a healthy, attractive smile and facial structure
Maintain a good bite making it easier to chew and speak
Avoid tooth decay/loss by making them easier to clean
Avoid expensive dental procedures that could result from untreated orthodontic issues

Should I Try At-Home Treatments?

We advise consumers against seeking at-home treatment options. Orthodontic care is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process that involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions.

Appropriate care should always start with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos and models of the teeth. From this, your orthodontist can develop a custom treatment plan to best address your needs.

At-home treatments don’t ensure that you’re working with a certified orthodontist and skip the examination process leaving a lot of room for guess work. When it comes to your smile, you shouldn’t leave anything up to chance.

Learn More About At-Home Treatments

Get The Care You Deserve

Don’t wait to schedule your first appointment, reach out to a local AAO orthodontist and get your first appointment on the calendar. You can then rest easy at night knowing you’re one step closer to improving your oral health and smile!

Results

Orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results such as:

Better function (biting and chewing)
Improved alignment of teeth and jaws
Lower risk of dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease
Fewer dental emergencies
Improved oral hygiene
A beautiful smile!

Our Advice

Here’s a few tips to help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment:

Keep your scheduled appointments
Advise your orthodontist of problems that may popup between appointments
Watch what you eat and drink, avoid sugary foods and drinks
Brush and floss as instructed by your orthodontist

We promise it’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your orthodontist share – giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Why an AAO Orthodontist?

AAO members are highly educated specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws.

accumulated years of dental school.

3700

hours of specialized orthodontic training.

100%

focused on aligning teeth and jaws.

Orthodontic Care for All Ages

Orthodontic care is not just for one age group. Both children and adults can benefit from receiving proper treatment. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile.

Adult Orthodontics

Today, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients is an adult. Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty chewing. With orthodontic treatment, you can fix your bite and decrease the potential risk of developing these problems in the future.

Learn More

Child Orthodontics

Are you considering orthodontic treatment for your child? You’ve come to the right place. The Parent’s Guide to Orthodontics will help you understand how the process works, from understanding early check-ups to post-treatment best practices.