When it comes to orthodontic treatment, your primary goal is most likely to get the smile of your dreams. Many people long for a perfectly straight, pearly white smile. In fact, nearly three-fourths of adults think that having a sub-par smile will hurt their career goals.

Whether that’s true or not, paying a trip to your local orthodontist is extremely important for a number of reasons beyond gaining an attractive smile. There are four other long-term health benefits of orthodontic work that you may not have realized.

1. Healthier teeth. Not only will your smile be straighter, but it will also be healthier. Once you undergo orthodontic treatment, you will be able to brush your teeth in places that you may not have been able to otherwise. You will be able to reach almost the entire surface area of your teeth with a brush or dental floss and be able to loosen any tartar building up along the gum line and between your teeth.
2. Better oral hygiene. This goes hand-in-hand with the last point. If you are now able to take better care of your teeth, chances are that you will do so. Your orthodontist will often remind you of how important it is to take care of your oral hygiene. Whether your treatment includes Invisalign or other treatments such as braces, spacers, or retainers, the effects are long lasting even after your time with the treatment is over with.
3. Avoid TMJ Disorders. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, or other words, the jaw. The jaw is made up of muscles, bones, and tendons that are designed to be aligned in a particular way. If they are not aligned properly, you may experience jaw pain or a popping sensation when you chew or talk. This can be easily prevented or reversed with orthodontic work.
4. Lower risk of sleep apnea. In addition to TMJ disorders, a misaligned jaw can also cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder that is caused by the obstruction of the airway when a person sleeps. Your teeth are responsible for keeping your tongue in place. If your jaw is misaligned, your tongue can easily fall backwards and block your breathing. People who suffer from sleep apnea can stop breathing nearly 100 times per night, depriving the brain of oxygen and causing serious heath issues.

Choosing an orthodontist in your area can seem like a daunting task, but in Chicago, Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics is the best choice to make. With years of experience, our doctors are able to perform all types of orthodontic work in a comfortable environment. For a consultation, give us a call today!