Braces are the most commonly used tool to help straighten misaligned teeth. Corrective orthodontic treatment has a high success rate and can help you achieve that perfect smile. If you believe you could benefit from braces, keep reading to learn a little more about what they are, who they are for, and the benefits braces provide.
What Are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic tool that are designed to correct oral problems related to your teeth, such as crooked or crowded teeth. While orthodontic treatment typically occurs during the teen years, adults often get braces as well.
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, the braces will slowly align and straighten your teeth. This not only improves the appearance of your smile, but it also improves your bite.
Who Are Braces For?
Almost anyone can get braces, but not everyone needs them. There are several signs that you can keep an out for to determine if you can benefit from braces. Here are a few of them.
People with Crowded Teeth
One of the most common reasons people will get braces is due to their teeth being crowded in the mouth. There isn’t enough room for the teeth to come in properly, and as a result, they become overcrowded. Orthodontic treatment at a younger age can help with this, but crowding can still be a problem as an adult sometimes.
Crowding will only worsen with time, making it hard to properly brush and floss your teeth. This can lead to decay, bad breath, gum disease, and even bone loss. Luckily, orthodontic treatment can help if you are experiencing crowded teeth.
People with Gaps in Their Teeth
When you have a gap, it is generally due to a missing tooth or a larger jaw. This excess space between your teeth can make it harder to eat food and for your jaw to function properly. Braces can help get your teeth in alignment and eliminate the gap.
People with Bite Issues
There are two main types of bite problems: overbite and underbite. With an overbite, your upper front teeth will overlap the lower teeth. This increases your risk of damage to the teeth in the event of a trauma, as well as excessive gum recession and tooth wear.
With an underbite, the opposite is true with your lower teeth overlapping the top teeth. This is often due to disproportionate jaw size and can lead to trouble biting and chewing.
Regardless of the type of bite you are dealing with, braces can help.
What Are the Benefits of Braces?
The benefits of braces are virtually endless. Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Enhance Your Appearance
When something is wrong with your teeth, you may be self-conscious about smiling. This will no longer be a problem after undergoing orthodontic treatment, as your teeth will gradually shift so they are perfectly aligned. This will considerably improve your self-esteem and overall appearance.
Improve Your Oral Health
While braces will improve your appearance, aesthetic benefits are not all that come with braces. In fact, braces can improve your overall oral health. When you have crooked or crowded teeth, it can be harder to thoroughly brush and floss them. Food particles are more likely to get lodged in between misaligned teeth. Braces will straighten your teeth and increase your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Improve Your Bite
Braces are generally known for straightening teeth, but they can also be used to help correct bite issues. When bite issues are left untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to the grinding and clenching of the teeth. Braces can align your jaw so that your bite is appropriate.
Aid in Digestion
Something many people don’t realize is that braces can actually help with digestion. Your teeth cut and grind various types of food, but if your teeth are not aligned correctly, this particular function is harder to achieve. It can result in larger pieces of food being swallowed, which can have a direct impact on your digestion. After braces, your teeth will be aligned, which can lead to improved digestion.
Unhappy with Your Smile? Let Dream Orthodontics Help!
If you are unhappy with your smile for any reason or you have noticed some of the signs associated with needing braces, contact the team at Dream Orthodontics today. We are happy to sit down with you and discuss your oral health concerns and determine if orthodontic treatment can help you.