gif (1816 bytes)What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Everyone wants a beautiful smile and everyone should have a healthy smile. The orthodontist s goal is to achieve both for the patient. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints with resulting chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care (i.e. bridgework, gum surgery, etc.) required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years. The importance of a healthy and attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one s self-confidence. A person s self-esteem often improves as a treatme
