Skip to main content

Benefits of Braces | Ladd Orthodontics | Board-Certified Orthodontist


First off, straight teeth contribute to a nicer smile.  Many studies have shown that an attractive smile boosts self-esteem which is important at any age. For children, the development of a positive self-image can carry forward throughout life and contribute to future success.  For adults, self-esteem is critically important in many professional settings and social situations.
As important as appearance can be, the benefit of braces goes beyond just esthetics.  Straight teeth help an individual more effectively bite, chew, and even speak.  It may come as a surprise that straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums.  Straighter teeth are easier to brush, clean, and floss! The ability to take better care of the teeth through oral hygiene also helps prevent future cavities and periodontal disease. This latter problem is of particular concern because over time it can lead to destruction of the bone that holds the teeth in place.
Properly aligned teeth and jaws may also alleviate unnecessary wear and grinding. It is known that malocclusion – or a “bad bite” – can lead to problems with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and even ineffective chewing and digestion problems. In extreme cases, chronic headaches and back or neck pain can result.
Furthermore, straight teeth are less prone to injury. Protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken or traumatized in an accident. Once repositioned and aligned, these teeth are at a decreased risk of being fractured. So in many ways, an attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment … although many patients actually view it as the primary benefit.
Orthodontics goes beyond just the mouth, however.  Proper treatment can bring the teeth and lips into proportion with the jaws and face.  Investing in orthodontics to correct a problem early in life is generally less costly than the restorative dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.
The American Dental Association along with the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that all children have a check-up no later than age seven. Although only a few orthodontic problems need to be corrected at that age, an early exam allows the orthodontist to offer advice and guidance as to when the appropriate age to start treatment would be.
Labels:
Location: 3415 S Lafountain St # A, Kokomo, IN 46902, United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sedation Dentistry | Adult Sedation Dentistry | Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville

Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville, Indiana  Nearly half of all North Americans don’t go to the dentist every year.   The number one reason, according to the American Dental Association, is fear.  But fear isn’t the only reason.  People have busy lives and little time for repeated visits to the dentist. Some don't see the importance of keeping their teeth.  And there are a host of other reasons as well.  Whatever your reason, or the reasons for someone close to you, know this – you are not alone!  Sedation Dentistry is here to help you, as it has so many other patients, safely and effectively get the care you need in a safe and comfortable environment for the best dental experience you’ve ever had. This isn’t a One Size Fits All Each patient is unique. That means that whatever medications you may be taking, dental treatments needed, or the years away from the dentist – there is a safe and effective way to get the smi...
8 comments
Read more

2026 Dental Office Data | Struggling Performance Continues

 Over the past decade, the dental industry experienced an unprecedented wave of consolidation. Private equity capital flowed into the profession, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) expanded rapidly, and large multi-location platforms became a major force in the market. Recently, however, two major organizations— Dental Care Alliance and Affordable Care —have reportedly been taken over by their lenders following financial restructuring challenges. For many in the profession, this raises an important question: What does this mean for the future of dentistry ? The answer is nuanced, but it may signal a turning point for how dental organizations are built and financed going forward. The End of the “Growth at Any Cost” Era For many DSOs, the growth strategy of the past decade was simple: acquire as many practices as possible as quickly as possible. Low interest rates and strong investor appetite made this strategy viable. Debt financing allowed organizations to purchase pract...
1 comment
Read more

Affordable Care Restructure | 2026 Dental Industry Impacts

 The convergence of Affordable Care’s restructuring and broader financial strain across large DSOs is more than an isolated credit event — it’s a signal of structural pressure in the dental industry. Below is a strategic, operator-level view of the impacts likely to unfold. 1) Capital structure stress → Slower DSO expansion & recap cycles Affordable Care’s restructuring is largely debt-driven: The company is working with turnaround advisers after a $2.7B leveraged buyout left it with expensive floating-rate debt. Rising interest rates materially increased debt service costs. This dynamic is industry-wide: Many DSOs and small groups financed growth with variable debt that has jumped from ~4% to 10%+ interest costs. Some platforms have been unable to recapitalize amid economic uncertainty. Impacts Fewer aggressive roll-ups and de novo expansions Lower EBITDA multiples on acquisitions More minority recap deals vs. full exits Delayed liquidity e...
Post a Comment
Read more