Most people who get braces seek a straighter smile and better bite, but there are also surprising health benefits from getting them. For example, misaligned teeth can lead to problems like slurred speech.
They can also create hotbeds for bacteria that eventually eat away at the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Fixing crowded teeth can prevent this from happening, as toothbrush bristles can easily reach the spaces that would otherwise be difficult to clean. Contact Las Vegas Braces now!
Many patients receive braces to address cosmetic dental issues, such as overcrowding or gaps in their teeth. The treatment works to gradually shift and align these teeth for a healthier smile, boosting facial harmony and symmetry. The result is a more attractive smile, which can have a positive impact on self-esteem and social interactions.
Straighter teeth also reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Crooked teeth can lead to hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk for bacteria build-up and other oral health problems. By correcting these misalignments and improving cleaning habits, braces help to lower the risk of future dental complications.
Achieving a healthy smile through orthodontic treatment can have lifelong benefits. Children who have undergone braces often develop a strong sense of pride in their appearance, leading to greater confidence and self-esteem in school, social situations, and in their everyday lives. The process also teaches them to be responsible for their own care by regularly attending appointments and adhering to dietary restrictions, which can serve as an excellent life lesson.
Teeth and jaw misalignments can cause chewing difficulties and speech impediments, such as slurring of words. Braces can address these issues by shifting overlapping or crowded teeth and closing off spaces that can cause whistling. They can also help to correct skeletal malocclusions or jaw growth abnormalities by properly aligning the upper and lower jaws.
Chewing and breaking down foods correctly is essential for proper digestion, which helps prevent intestinal distress and other discomforts. When teeth are crooked, it is difficult to chew effectively, and large food chunks can enter the stomach without being fully broken down, which can lead to gastrointestinal pain, heartburn, gas, and bloating. Correcting these issues with braces makes it easier to chew, allowing the stomach to digest foods more quickly and efficiently. As a result, patients can enjoy more comfortable and consistent digestive habits. Moreover, braces can also lower the risks of food allergies by eliminating troublesome foods like nuts and dairy products from the diet.
Better Oral Hygiene
Having braces doesn’t just improve your smile, it can help you maintain optimal oral hygiene. Braces can correct crooked teeth and widen the spaces between them, which makes it easier to clean your mouth. When teeth are crowded or misaligned, food gets stuck in the tight crevices and leads to the buildup of plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease. Straightened and more spacious teeth are easy to brush and floss, which can significantly reduce the risk of these problems.
Misaligned teeth often lead to a lack of space for the tongue, which can result in speech difficulties and slurring. The overlapping of the teeth can also prevent proper chewing and digestion, which can have a direct impact on your diet and overall health. Braces can help you eat better and enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about the aches and pains that can come with improper chewing.
The gaps and spaces around crooked or misaligned teeth provide hiding places for bacteria, which can then lead to the formation of plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and other dental and health problems. Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent these issues, but having braces can make it more difficult to reach all areas of your mouth. Straightened and more spacious teeth can eliminate these hard-to-reach areas, and you’ll be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the duration of your treatment.
When you’re wearing braces, make sure you brush twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the areas around your brackets and wires, as these can be tricky to reach with a regular toothbrush. Flossing daily is also critical to removing food particles and plaque between your teeth, and the use of tools like a floss threader or orthodontic floss can help ensure that even the hardest-to-reach areas are getting cleaned properly. Regular visits to your orthodontist are also key to maintaining good oral hygiene, and they can help you get the most out of your treatment.
Lower Risk of Gum Disease
A big benefit of getting braces is that they can correct bite issues. Misaligned teeth and jaws place uneven stress on the bones and periodontal ligaments, causing them to erode over time. By distributing the force of biting evenly, braces can prevent this erosion and preserve bone density, reducing the likelihood of tooth loss. This also saves on costly treatments like dental crowns and root canals that restore the health of damaged teeth.
Another important long-term benefit of braces is a lower risk for gum disease. Gum disease (gingivitis or severe periodontitis) develops due to a body response to bacterial plaque, which triggers inflammation in the gum tissue. This can advance to the point that the gums become red and swollen, resulting in bleeding when brushing or flossing. When left untreated, the condition progresses to a more serious stage of periodontitis, causing gum pockets to form that eat away at the tooth roots.
Gum disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, along with daily flossing and dental maintenance visits. During these appointments, the dentist can remove any lingering bacteria or plaque and help patients avoid more serious oral health issues down the road.
In addition, a well-aligned bite promotes proper chewing, which reduces digestion discomforts such as gas, bloating and indigestion. The ability to comfortably chew can also encourage a healthier diet, making it easier to eat a variety of foods that are beneficial for overall well-being.
Crowded teeth often cause problems like snoring and sleep apnea, in addition to making the smile appear less attractive. By fixing crowded teeth, braces can make the smile more even and enhance its appearance. This can help boost a patient’s self-esteem, which in turn can have positive effects on their personal and professional life.
Boosts Self-Esteem
While braces may initially cause a dip in self-esteem for some patients due to their appearance and social adjustment challenges, they also can have long-term positive effects on self-worth. This is because straight teeth are often a major confidence booster for both adults and children.
A straight smile can also improve one’s overall sense of well-being by enhancing their physical health, interpersonal relationships, and mental health. A recent study conducted by the University of Adelaide found that people who have their crooked teeth fixed with orthodontic treatment report better psychological functioning in four areas: how they feel about themselves; their ability to cope with new and difficult situations; how they perceive their ability to take care of their health; and their level of optimism.
This is especially true for kids, as they experience a range of positive emotions throughout the orthodontic process. This includes increased confidence and a greater sense of accomplishment as they witness their crooked teeth slowly turn into beautiful, straight smiles. Children can boost their confidence even further by actively participating in their orthodontic treatment, attending regular appointments, following dietary restrictions, and adhering to orthodontists’ instructions. This helps them to learn about the importance of self-discipline and teaches them a valuable life lesson that they can apply in their future endeavors.
In addition, braces can help improve self-esteem by making it easier for people to brush and floss their teeth properly. People with crowded or misaligned teeth often struggle to reach certain spots in the mouth when they brush and floss, which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. However, by correcting dental alignment, braces make it easier to brush and floss all teeth, preventing these complications in the long run.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, be sure to speak with your orthodontist about the different types of braces available. They can help you determine which type is right for you, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and lingual braces (placed on the backside of your teeth) or Invisalign. Whatever type of braces you choose, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of this transformative journey and remember that a beautiful, confident smile is just around the corner!