Before and After
Love Your Smile

Why Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is good for your health and your looks. When jaw discrepancies such as overbites and underbites are corrected, you’ll find it more comfortable to chew, talk and even breathe! When the bones and tissue that support your teeth experience less stress, the risk of gum and bone deterioration- the leading cause of adult tooth loss-is minimized.

Recent medical investigations have determined that a healthy mouth, which starts with straight teeth that fit together correctly (good occlusion) when coupled with excellent hygiene is a simple way to help prevent diabetes, heart disease and maybe even cancer.

Disease Dangers

Here are some of the health problems linked to periodontal disease (gum disease):

  • Heart disease - In analyzing data from 10,000 Americans who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey, scientists found that those with periodontal disease were much more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than people without periodontal disease.
  • Diabetes - When diabetics develop periodontal disease, their sugar control worsens, as does the complications from the disease, such as nerve damage and kidney disease. Treating periodontal disease reduces blood sugar levels significantly.
  • Pregnancy complications - Women with periodontal disease have more pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and possibly miscarriages. Treating periodontal disease in pregnant women reduces the rate of low birth weight.
  • Respiratory illness - Regular brushing and use of antibacterial mouthwashes can halve the risk of pneumonia in people admitted to hospitals (and in frail residents of nursing homes)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis - People with periodontal disease are more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis and vice versa. As with diabetes, the link is probably due to inflammation.

    • To reduce your risk of periodontal disease:

    *Source: Dr. Thomas F. Van Dyke - Goldman School of Dental Medicine — Boston, MA