Have you ever thought about getting braces? You might have one or more teeth that need straightened, a gap you want to close, or other smile alignment issues. Maybe your dentist has recommended this type of orthodontic treatment. One thing that you may not know is that braces can accomplish a lot more than improved smile aesthetics. In fact, there are multiple ways in which braces can be a truly life-changing investment. If you want to know the true value of braces for those who need them, read on.
Getting Braces Can Improve Your Oral Health
Thoroughly cleaning the teeth is always easiest when these structures are properly aligned and adequately spaced out. When alignment issues cause tooth crowding, effectively brushing and flossing in certain areas can prove downright impossible. This can lead to build-ups of tartar and plaque, and a far greater opportunity for cavity-causing germs to wreak havoc. When crooked teeth have been straightened and aligned with braces, cleaning the mouth will prove much easier. In the future, this can mean having both fewer cavities and fewer problems with gum disease, if any at all.
For Some People, Braces Can Support Better Digestion
With a properly functioning jaw, and well-aligned, high-functioning teeth, it’s a lot less challenging to chew food up into small, easily digested pieces. Because chewing is the very start of the digestive process, enhanced chewing abilities will make it easier for your body to effectively absorb nutrients from what you eat. Braces improve the alignment and performance of the bite, thereby leading to better digestion all-around.
Experience a Significant Boost in Confidence
When teeth are crooked, overcrowded, or improperly spaced, it’s not uncommon for people to feel embarrassed by their smiles. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you may find yourself hiding your smile in public, or even trying not to smile at all. This is definitely one instance in which braces can be downright life-changing. With straighter teeth and a far more attractive smile, you’ll feel less anxious around others, and you’ll enjoy a significant boost in self-confidence.
Sometimes tooth crowding and tooth alignment issues are so severe that they negatively impact how people speak. Forming certain sounds correctly can be a real challenge if twisted or misaligned tooth structures are in the way. In these cases, braces are actually an effective tool for overcoming a variety of speech issues. With better tooth alignment, you’ll be able to speak and enunciate clearly!
Prevent Bone Loss
Over time, having teeth that are misaligned and difficult to care for properly can actually lead to bone loss. This happens when cavities and minor tooth infections affect the gums and then eventually, the underlying bone structure. As build-ups of bacteria form between teeth that are overlapped, they’ll gradually start eating away at the bones that support them.
Braces Can Be an Invaluable Part of Integrated Treatment Plans
There are often times when braces are used as part of integrated treatments for oral health issues. If you’ve got TMJ or temporomandibular joint pain, braces could be one key aspect of your treatment. These appliances have the ability to reduce pressure even as they gradually adjust the jaw’s position. Bruxism or tooth grinding along with many other oral health issues can be effectively treated with braces.
Braces Have the Power to Improve Overall Life Qualities
It’s surprising to discover just how many things braces can do to improve a person’s oral health and overall well-being. These appliances can enhance speech and chewing abilities, and digestion. They can even alleviate many forms of chronic discomfort. If they can do any of these things for you, aren’t they worth the investment? Schedule a consultation with Blalock Orthodontics today to learn more about braces, and to find out how they might benefit you.
