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EnglishWhy the AAO Says Orthodontic Treatment Matters for Oral Health
Updated
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) frames orthodontic treatment as more than a cosmetic choice: it describes oral health as "a window into your overall health," and argues that a properly aligned bite supports basic functions like biting, chewing, and speaking while making teeth easier to clean. The organization's position is that misaligned teeth are harder to maintain and can wear enamel abnormally, potentially leading to more extensive and expensive dental work later. This reasoning applies to anyone weighing whether to see an orthodontist — not just people unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.
The AAO's core argument, point by point
The AAO's "Why Orthodontics?" section makes four connected claims. Each one builds on the last:
- Oral health reflects overall health. The AAO treats the mouth as an indicator of general health rather than an isolated system.
- A good bite supports function. When teeth meet correctly, biting, chewing, and speaking are easier.
- Misaligned teeth are harder to clean. Crowded or crooked teeth create spaces that routine brushing and flossing struggle to reach.
- Poor alignment causes abnormal enamel wear. Uneven contact between teeth can wear enamel in ways that lead to more extensive and expensive dental procedures down the line.
The practical takeaway: the AAO is not selling straight teeth as an aesthetic goal. It is describing alignment as a functional and preventive health issue.
Who the AAO says should consider treatment
The site separates its guidance by age group, which matters because the timing of an evaluation differs.
Adults
The AAO states that today, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. If you assumed braces or aligners are only for children, that ratio is the direct counterargument. Adults considering treatment can use the AAO's adult orthodontics resources to understand options before committing.
Children
The AAO's guidance is specific: a child should have a check-up with an orthodontist by age 7. This is an evaluation age, not necessarily a treatment age — the point is to catch developing problems while the jaw is still growing, when some issues are easier to address.
What treatment options the AAO describes
The AAO lists the main appliance categories and what each does. Knowing the categories helps you follow a treatment conversation rather than just accept a recommendation.
| Option | What the AAO says it is |
|---|---|
| Braces | Brackets affixed to teeth with wires threaded through slots in the brackets |
| Aligners | Clear, thin, plastic-like trays formed to fit an individual's teeth; the patient inserts and removes them |
| Retainers | Removable, clear, thin, slightly flexible plastic-like material shaped to the exact position of the teeth |
| Archwires | Fit into the slots in braces and actually move the teeth |
| Elastics | Tiny rubber bands that apply extra force in ways braces alone cannot, helping teeth reach ideal positions |
| Mouthguards | Used by athletes of all ages to protect teeth from trauma during sport |
| Orthodontic surgery | Also called orthognathic surgery; corrective jaw surgery for skeletal problems affecting the ability to bite, chew, and speak |
Two things stand out in this list. First, archwires and elastics are components of treatment rather than alternatives to it — they explain how braces move teeth. Second, orthodontic surgery is presented as a remedy for skeletal problems, which is a different category of problem from tooth alignment.
The AAO's caution about at-home treatment
The site includes a direct warning section titled "Considering At-Home Treatments?" with the statement that orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix, and that working with the right orthodontist to determine a treatment plan can yield life-enhancing results. The AAO also warns against the "mewing" trend.
The underlying logic connects to the rest of the page: if alignment affects enamel wear and cleaning, then a treatment plan needs diagnosis by someone trained to assess the bite, not a one-size-fits-all kit.
How to act on this
If the AAO's reasoning applies to your situation, the site's own path is straightforward:
- Find an orthodontist through the AAO's directory to get an evaluation.
- For a child, book the check-up by age 7 even if nothing looks wrong — the visit is diagnostic.
- Ask which appliance category fits your case and why, using the options table above as your reference.
- Treat at-home kits with caution until an orthodontist has assessed your bite.
The AAO also runs Gifted Smiles, a program of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) that provides necessary orthodontic treatment to children of families who lack access to care — relevant if cost is the barrier to getting an evaluation.
What the AAO does not settle
The AAO's page explains why orthodontic treatment matters and what options exist, but it does not provide pricing, insurance guidance, or a treatment timeline for specific conditions. Those depend on the individual case and the treating orthodontist. Use the AAO's material to understand the health rationale and the option categories, then get case-specific answers from a licensed orthodontist.