Most people shy away from orthodontic treatment because they’re worried about how they’ll finance the procedures. It could be the reason, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 23% of children aged two to eleven are yet to go to their first dentist visit. However, here are six ways orthodontic treatment saves you money.
1. Reduces Dental Care Costs
Orthodontic treatment like Invisalign or metal braces help close the small gaps between your teeth where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate. If build-up does occur, it can trigger the onset of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Even a minor dental issue can grow into a more complicated problem if you fail to address it appropriately, leading to higher oral care costs down the road.
However, turning to orthodontic treatment to resolve those issues can significantly lower these costs. The best part is some treatments don’t take too long to work. For example, according to The Orthodontics, you can complete Invisalign treatment in as little as six months.
2. Balances Out Your Bite
With the help of orthodontic treatment, you can correct issues such as underbites, overbites, and protrusions. An unbalanced bite puts uneven pressure on your teeth, making eating and chewing difficult. It can also increase wear and tear, affecting different mouth areas. According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice daily. However, if you have crooked teeth, your efforts may not be as effective.
Without timely intervention, you’ll soon need treatments like crowns, implants, and bridges. These procedures aren’t the most pocket-friendly. Compared to the cost of braces or Invisalign, it’s easy to see why so many individuals turn to orthodontic treatment to correct their bites.
3. Prevent Jaw Problems
Jaw misalignment puts too much pressure on your smile. Excessive jaw tension causes you to grind or clench your teeth when you sleep, a condition commonly known as bruxism. Such bite issues can cause TMJ disorder without intervention. The costs of addressing this disorder can be quite high. Timely orthodontic treatment can realign your jaw to alleviate the excess tension. Proper jaw development is particularly crucial for young children.
4. Reduce Your Reliance on Pain Medication
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth may not seem a big deal, but these orthodontic issues worsen with time, leading to joint and jawbone problems. When they progress, the bones that support your teeth may start to deteriorate, and you may start to feel unbearable pain in your TMJ joint and jaw, which can also cause headaches and migraines. Most people turn to medication for temporary relief from the pain, but by failing to address the root cause, you’ll spend much money treating the symptoms rather than the cause.
5. It’s a Lifetime Investment
When you decide to straighten your teeth using orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign or braces, you’re making a lifetime investment in your smile and oral health. It’s not to mean that you’ll be paying for them forever, but their benefits can last for as long as you’re alive if you take proper care of your teeth. A straight smile balances out your bite, reduces your risk of developing cavities and other dental complications, and also eliminates the need for expensive cosmetic procedures like veneers.
In the long-term, orthodontic treatment can give you a much-needed self-confidence boost thanks to your new smile and improved oral hygiene. Continue seeing your dentist for routine cleanings after completing treatment. Do this, and you won’t be able to hold back that beautiful smile.
6. Avoid Tooth Loss and Replacement Costs
It’s no surprise that your teeth are more likely to fall out when you neglect to address dental health issues promptly. The complications associated with neglecting orthodontic issues lead to tooth loss. You can lower the likelihood of needing replacements such as dental implants or bridges with orthodontic treatment.
The upfront costs of orthodontic treatments can indeed be high. However, the long-term benefits they offer offset the investment. Give your local dentist a call to book an appointment.