Orthodontics: More than meets the eye

Orthodontics is often associated with straight, beautiful teeth, but its benefits go far beyond mere aesthetics.

According to Maria Karakousoglou, BDS, MS, assistant professor and director of the Orthodontic Residency Program at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, proper orthodontic care plays a critical role in overall oral and systemic health. It improves speech, aids in proper breathing and even prevents headaches, contributing to a person's well-being in ways many might not expect.

More than a smile

Maria Karakousoglou, BDS, MS

While having a celebrity-style smile is a positive outcome, Karakousoglou shared that orthodontic treatment is more about optimizing the function of the mouth.

"The oral cavity is at the center of our functions - our speech, feeding and communication," she said, highlighting how closely tied oral health is to overall well-being.

"We don't just aim to make the teeth straight, but ensure the mouth is functioning properly," she explained. "A good bite has been associated with better sleep, better chewing and better speech."

In severe cases, issues like misalignment can even lead to chronic headaches and jaw pain.

The impact of a healthy bite

Orthodontics addresses critical issues like jaw alignment.

"Patients with a poor bite often suffer from problems like excessive wear on their teeth or difficulty cleaning between them," Karakousoglou noted.

Crooked or crowded teeth can make proper oral hygiene difficult, leading to faster tooth decay, such as cavities, and an increased risk of gum disease.

"When the bite is not correct, the wear from everyday chewing is much more severe," she said.

Properly aligned teeth, on the other hand, are easier to clean and maintain, helping prevent future dental problems.

Speech and breathing concerns

Orthodontic treatment also plays a role in improving speech and breathing.

Orthodontic treatment and speech therapy can help correct speech issues.

As Karakousoglou explained, "The teeth make the house for the tongue, and the way we articulate words is related to how the tongue is positioned against the back of our teeth. If the teeth, especially the front teeth, are not matching up together properly, then it's highly likely that the individual is going to have speech issues."

Children with significant dental misalignments often experience such speech difficulties, which can be improved through a combination of orthodontic treatment and speech therapy. Early intervention can help rehabilitate the tongue to articulate properly once the teeth are aligned.

Breathing issues, like sleep apnea, can sometimes be associated with orthodontic problems. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes people to stop breathing or breathe very shallowly while sleeping.

A narrow jaw can sometimes play a part in sleep apnea and its symptoms, such as snoring.

"This is a major topic in orthodontics today, as the relationship between breathing and the space available in the mouth has been linked to sleep apnea," Karakousoglou said.

She explained that there has been much debate as to the connection between the sleep disorder and orthodontic issues. While she said it's true that a severely misaligned jaw has been linked to the condition, and a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery can sometimes help, the overall connection is still being studied.

A narrow upper jaw can limit space for the tongue, potentially blocking airways during sleep. While orthodontic treatment alone is not a cure for sleep apnea, correcting the jaw's alignment can help improve airflow and alleviate related breathing difficulties.

Emotional and social benefits

In addition to physical health, orthodontic treatment can significantly boost psychological well-being.

"We see many children who come in because they've been bullied at school for their dental appearance," Karakousoglou said.

Orthodontic treatment can help boost the confidence of individuals at any age.

Gaps in the front teeth and jaw issues are visible problems that can have a lasting impact on a child's self-esteem. "The emotional toll is devastating," she explained.

Fixing these issues improves the child's appearance and boosts their social acceptance.

While early intervention can prevent emotional distress and increase a child's confidence, Karakousoglou was quick to point out that benefits aren't limited to children. Adults who undergo orthodontic treatment often experience a renewed sense of self-assurance.

"We have patients who've changed professions or started new projects after treatment, simply because they feel more confident in their appearance," she said.

Discreet options like clear aligners or lingual braces, which are braces placed behind the teeth, make it easier than ever for adults to pursue treatment without the visible appearance of traditional braces.

Early intervention is key

Visiting a dental professional early is key to preventing serious issues later in life.

"We advise parents to bring their children in for their first orthodontic check at around age seven, when the first permanent teeth start coming in," Karakousoglou recommended.

While not all children will need treatment at that age, early detection of skeletal issues can prevent serious problems later in life.

"If we catch problems early, we can intervene with simpler treatments and hopefully avoid more-invasive procedures like jaw surgery in the future," she said.

'A life-changing investment'

In the end, orthodontic care is about much more than mere esthetics. It addresses functional problems that affect everything from speech and chewing to confidence and emotional well-being.

"Orthodontic treatment is a life-changing investment for many people," Karakousoglou said.

She believes that while treatment does provide a path to a more beautiful smile, it also offers a healthier, more fulfilling life, at any age.

Learn more about orthodontic treatment on UT Dentistry's website.

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