Can Orthodontics Prevent Future Tooth Decay?

A commonly held belief among the general public is orthodontic treatment will prevent future tooth decay. Research undertaken at the University of Adelaide has found that this is not the case. Published in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology the study, conducted by Dr. Esma J Dogramaci and co-author Professor David Brennan from the University’s Adelaide Dental School, assessed the long-term dental health of 448 people from South Australia. “The study found that people who had orthodontic treatment did not have better dental health later in life,” says Dr. Dogramaci. “Patients often complain about their crooked teeth and want braces to make their teeth straight so they can avoid problems, like decay, in the future.”

The study - which followed people from the age of 13 until they were 30 - recorded patients’ dental health behaviors and the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth. “By the age of 30, over a third of participants had received orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Dogramaci. “There is a misconception amongst patients that orthodontic treatment prevents tooth decay, but this is not the case.”

The cost of orthodontic treatment, in which crooked teeth are realigned using braces worn over several years, varies from approximately $3,000 to $13,000 according to the severity of the problems. Braces are becoming increasingly popular, with one in five patients being adults. The global orthodontics market is predicted to be worth more than $6 billion by 2023. “Evidence from the research clearly shows that people cannot avoid regularly brushing their teeth, good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to prevent decay in later life,” says Dr. Dogramaci. “Having your teeth straightened does not prevent tooth decay in later life.”

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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.