Orthodontics is a branch of dental healthcare that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malocclusion. Malocclusion refers to abnormally positioned teeth and jaws. Malocclusion can affect your ability to bite and even the ability to observe general oral hygiene. Surgical orthodontics can help correct protruding or crowded teeth, and by extension, improve your oral health. How Orthodontics Helps To Improve Oral Health Orthodontics can either involve the careful removal of selected primary teeth (mostly premolars) so that other teeth can grow in the correct position or moving the teeth to the desired position through the supporting alveolar bone. When the teeth are to be moved, you can have plastic, ceramic, or metal braces fitted and connected through an archwire. The period of time this takes varies, although it generally takes longer for adults than children. Once the teeth are in the desired position, the braces are usually removed. Here’s how orthodontics could help in improving your oral health. Prevent Tooth Decay Orthodontics helps in correcting crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth and other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Such dental flaws make it difficult to properly observe oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Straightening the teeth and removing overcrowded ones can make it easier to practice dental care and avoid problems such as tooth decay. Keep Gum Disease At Bay Abnormally placed teeth can result in injuries to the gums, especially during chewing. Wounds to the gums leave the gums exposed to bacterial infections ad even tooth loss. Orthodontics helps in reducing the risk of gum injuries by ensuring the teeth are well-aligned in the mouth. It also helps reduce the chances of a fractured tooth from protruding teeth. Extend The Life Of Your Teeth Abnormally-aligned teeth increase the chances of the teeth grinding against each other. This makes the enamel to wear away faster and lead to tooth erosion. Orthodontics helps your teeth to get properly aligned and reduces the risk of tooth erosion.Surgical orthodontics doesn’t only help to improve your oral health, but also improves the quality of your smile. If you are interested in improving your oral health, get in touch with our office today for advice on the way forward that our oral surgeons can provide.