At Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg, we promote the best oral health with an emphasis on prevention starting with our youngest patients. Dr. Elena Black and her team of professionals encourage parents to teach their children the importance of good oral hygiene for healthy teeth. It is important to learn why we all need to brush, floss and gargle to keep germs and plaque away from our pearly whites.
Good oral hygiene is invaluable and an equally important ingredient in the creation of a beautiful, healthy smile is having straight teeth and a properly aligned bite. Orthodontics has proved indispensable in offering patients a myriad of lasting oral health benefits. Research has shown that straight smiles equal healthier smiles.
Orthodontic Patients Display Better Oral Health and Hygiene Practices
Decades of research has shown that orthodontic patients are more likely to have better oral health. Having orthodontic treatment creates proper alignment and makes it easier to clean between teeth thereby preventing future dental problems such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
- Jaw problems
Why Do People Who Wore Braces or Clear Aligners Enjoy Healthier Teeth?
- Patients who have orthodontic treatment, along with the orthodontists, work hard to attain straight, correctly spaced teeth and a healthy bite. As the American Association of Orthodontists notes, “crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain.” If your teeth are crowded together, it is difficult to remove bacterial buildup. Braces, aligners and other orthodontic appliances help your teeth “fit better” in your mouth, preventing abnormal wear on your tooth enamel.
- Regular visits to your orthodontist help you stay vigilant about brushing and flossing. Research demonstrates that when patients receive frequent reminders and instruction in proper oral hygiene practices (particularly patients wearing braces or aligners and retainers), they are more likely to brush and floss regularly and correctly.
- Individuals who have worn braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances are more likely to keep their teeth healthy after investing time and money in them. Once your braces come off, you will naturally want to keep your smile looking beautiful. Patients tend to stay extra-motivated to brush and floss regularly years after orthodontic treatment is completed.
How Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg Can Help
For more information about options and treatments available to you at Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg, please request your complimentary consultation online or call us at 434.515.0370. We can even schedule a virtual consultation for your convenience! Our practice proves repeatedly that while having a beautiful set of straight teeth certainly boosts your confidence and helps you feel more attractive, having a healthy mouth benefits you for a lifetime.