Being a sports athlete means having to train long hours, eat well and keep a healthy lifestyle. But another important part of your training could come from orthodontics! If you’re an athlete in Bend or the surrounding areas, orthodontic treatment could greatly enhance your performance on the sports field. Orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign, can straighten and align your teeth to perfection, which could greatly improve your athletic performance. Learn more about how orthodontics may be the answer to improving your sports ability.
Why Straight Teeth Could Mean Better Athletic Performance
Your teeth and mouth are more complicated than you might think! The way your teeth align might not have direct impacts on your sports performance, but teeth that are out of alignment can indicate larger issues that could affect you while engaging in physical activities. For instance, crooked teeth can make chewing, swallowing and speech more difficult, which could make it harder to keep energy levels high during your workout. Recent studies have also suggested that a misaligned bite can cause your airflow during strenuous exercise to become restricted, making breathing more difficult while running, lifting and other athletic activities.Plus, sporting activities often result in sports related facial injuries which can be minimized by using orthodontic treatments mechanical strategies.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Athletes
If you’re an athlete in Bend, there are a number of potential orthodontic treatments that could help to improve your performance. For instance, metal braces can help to straighten your teeth and align your jaw, which can help to minimize breathing issues often associated with athletic activities. Additional treatments include tooth extraction and expanders, which can help to create more space in your mouth for your teeth to align properly. Plus, Invisalign, a type of clear aligner trays, can make orthodontic treatment faster and easier, as the aligners can easily be removed for practices and games and it is not invasive.
But the benefits of orthodontic treatment for athletes go beyond the physical. When your teeth are aligned, you’re likely more confident and feel better about your appearance. Studies have suggested that confident athletes perform better, as they are much less likely to suffer from performance anxiety that could otherwise impact their playing or workout. Orthodontic treatment can give you the confidence you need to perform your best, both on the field and off!
When to Seek Treatment
If you’re an athlete in Bend, it’s never too early to seek orthodontic treatment. In fact, many orthodontic professionals advise that you come see them for an evaluation as a child, around age 7, to see how your teeth are developing and to catch any potential issues early. Additionally, if you begin to notice that your teeth are becoming crooked, crowded or that your bite is off, you should take the time to seek orthodontic treatment in Bend. Orthodontic professionals can catch the issues early on and develop a treatment plan to improve your smile and potentially enhance your athletic performance.
How to Find the Right Orthodontist in Bend
If you’re interested in pursuing orthodontic treatment to enhance your athletic performance, the first thing you need to do is locate the right orthodontist in Bend. It’s important to find an orthodontist who not only specializes in orthodontic treatment for athletes, but who also has experience in your specific sport, and understands how to treat the issues associated with that sport. Take the time to meet with an orthodontist, go over your needs, and ask questions about their experience in treating athletes. Additionally, it’s a great idea to ask for before and after pictures, as well as any client testimonials that can speak to the quality of the orthodontists work.
Orthodontic Treatment in Bend Could Help You Excel on the Field
If you’re an athlete in Bend, orthodontic treatments, like braces or Invisalign, could help you to enhance your performance on the field, plus can reduce the impact of sports injuries on your teeth. Straight teeth might not seem like a priority when training for sports, but the benefits of orthodontic treatment can go a long way! From reducing breathing issues associated with sports activities to improving confidence and overall performance, orthodontic t