Orthodontics is Not Just for Crooked Teeth: 3 Other Reasons You or Your Child May Need Orthodontics

When most people think of orthodontics, they immediately think of teenage braces, used to straighten crooked teeth. While this is a common reason for seeking orthodontic care, there are other, often overlooked reasons, that you or your child may benefit from orthodontics.

1. Frequent Jaw Pain or Headaches

Unexplained jaw pain or recurring headaches can also indicate the need for orthodontic care. When the teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, the muscles in the jaw can become strained. This strain can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, which often manifest as jaw pain or tension headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help alleviate these symptoms by correcting misalignments and ensuring the bite is properly balanced, reducing muscle strain and discomfort.

2. Facial Aesthetics, Profile, and Symmetry

Orthodontics goes beyond just improving the teeth—it plays a significant role in improving broader facial aesthetics and symmetry. Misaligned teeth, jaws, or a narrow palate can impact the overall appearance of your face, including your facial profile, proportions, the position of your chin, your cheekbones, and even the fullness of your lips. Whether you're a child or an adult, orthodontics can help boost your confidence by contributing to a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing facial appearance. That's why we call ourselves Full Face Orthodontics!

3. Snoring or Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea affect both adults and children, often leading to poor sleep and health complications. In adults, sleep apnea can cause loud snoring, choking, and daytime fatigue, while increasing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Children with sleep apnea may display behavioural issues, hyperactivity, or difficulty in concentration. Both conditions can be linked to airway blockages or misaligned jaws. Treatment options, including orthodontics and custom removable oral appliances, can help improve sleep by realigning or broadening the jaws and opening the airway, offering relief from snoring and reducing sleep apnea symptoms, in both adults and children.

Conclusion

Orthodontics isn’t just for crooked teeth; it’s about improving overall oral health and well-being, as well as full facial aesthetics. If you, or your child, are experiencing any of the above issues, it may be time to consult with an orthodontist. Early intervention can help address these concerns, and prevent more serious issues from developing later in life. We recommend orthodontics from age 7, allowing us to best work with facial growth. Orthodontic care can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to explore how orthodontics can improve your overall health – the benefits are far-reaching and last a lifetime.

Give us a call to arrange a consultation. Come see us for a second opinion.

1800 FULL FACE / 1800 385 532

We have practice locations in;

Sydney

Randwick

Neutral Bay

Harris Park

Haberfield

Miranda

Hornsby

Melbourne

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