Nearly 20% of people wearing braces in the U.S. are adults, yet it seems that many more can benefit from orthodontics. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that a large majority of people have malocclusion or misalignment, with only 35% of adults having well aligned mandibular incisors (the four incisors located on the jaw). Interestingly, this is a modern problem, since our hunter-gatherer ancestors had almost no malocclusion and dental crowding. The advent of farming and the greater availability of ‘soft’ foods like grains and legumes lessened the size of jaws without a corresponding change in tooth size. The result is that there is not enough space in the jaws and the result is misaligned or crowded teeth. This is one of the earliest examples of the interconnectedness of different body systems. Not to mention the close connection between oral and cardiovascular health (Sanchez, 2017). It shows the important link between our diet and our oral health, and is also indicative of why so many of us need orthodontics.

 Malocclusion and the Risk of Falls

A 2016 study by scientists at the University of Barcelona showed that having an imperfect bite (e.g. gaps between teeth, crowding of teeth, missing teeth) can affect our postural control. These postural problems can potentially increase the risk of falls in people with certain diseases, or even affect athletes’ performance, potentially increasing instability as tiredness increases. The researchers concluded that orthodontics should be considered both by members of the general population and by athletes as a way to help prevent falls and instability.

Orthodontics and Sleep

We know that quality sleep is vital for our physical and mental health, with chronic sleep deprivation linked to obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. A 2012 University of Eastern Finland study on children aged six to eight found that the risk of sleep-disordered breathing is increased by crossbite (a type of oral misalignment which occurs when the upper and lower sets of teeth don’t meet correctly), among other factors. The researchers stressed that children with disordered breathing should have their dental bite examined, since employing orthodontics to reduce sleep issues may be required. 

Braces for Better Mental Health

A 2018 study published in the Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences found that there is an important relationship between orthodontics, mental health, and body image. Researchers noted that participants who had worn braces or other orthodontic devices were overwhelmingly satisfied with the results. They concluded that orthodontic treatment could significantly improve one’s overall mental health and change one’s attitude towards one’s physical image.

Many of the biggest health problems on a global scale – including sleep deprivation, obesity, and falls, can be aided through orthodontics. We have mentioned just a few instances of the way in which orthodontics can enhance health, but its effects are significantly more numerous. Teeth that are correctly aligned, for instance, can help us enjoy our food more, and enjoy a wider variety of foods – including harder, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables – which are so useful for our heart and overall health. If you are an an adult who is bothered by missing teeth, malocclusion, gaps or other problems, see your dentist and discuss the suitability of orthodontics.

For more whole health discussions, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama. Also available on iHeartRadio.

Author Credit: Allie Oliver