While the main purpose of braces is to straighten teeth for a better appearance, they have numerous long-term medical benefits. For example, crooked teeth can cause digestive complications, and bite issues can stress the jaw and joints. If you want to know more about braces, you can visit Braces Las Vegas to proceed.
Properly aligned teeth can make it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of gum disease. Other oral health benefits of braces include:
- Straight Teeth
Whether you were born with crooked teeth or your crowded, protruding teeth were caused by genetics, thumb sucking, tooth loss, or injuries, the fact is that you probably don’t have a perfect smile. Having straight teeth has many benefits that can improve your daily life and help you maintain a healthy mouth and jaw.
Crooked teeth can be difficult to keep clean, making them more prone to cavities and gum disease. They can also make it difficult to chew your food, leading to digestive issues. Straightening your smile can reduce these problems and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods again.
The main purpose of orthodontic treatment is to correct a bad bite (also known as malocclusion). Malocclusion can be caused by crooked or crowded teeth, teeth that do not grow correctly, and even jaws that do not meet properly.
Braces use constant pressure to straighten the teeth and jaws. They consist of small metal brackets glued to the teeth and an archwire, which helps guide the teeth into their proper position. Today’s brackets and archwires are smaller, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever. Your orthodontist will recommend the best braces based on your unique needs.
Many people with crooked teeth are self-conscious about their smiles, which can affect their feelings. This can cause a lack of confidence in social situations and may keep you from enjoying your life to its fullest. Straightening your smile can give you a more confident appearance that can boost your self-esteem and open up many new opportunities in your life.
- Better Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene isn’t just about your teeth – it’s an important aspect of overall health. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene is linked to conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Braces help improve the alignment of your bite, creating better oral health and a healthier smile for life. They can fix problems like crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps in your teeth. They can also correct issues with your jaw misalignment, which is called malocclusion (say: mal-uh-KLOO-shun).
Traditional metal braces use small brackets holding a wire containing an archwire. This archwire puts pressure on the teeth and slowly shifts them into place over time. On the corners of each bracket are tie wings, where elastic bands or ligatures attach to help with this process. These ligatures can be clear or tooth-colored, allowing you to customize your braces to suit your lifestyle.
Other types of orthodontic appliances, such as removable aligners and clear or ceramic retainers, can be used to treat more minor concerns. Ask your orthodontist in Carmel for more information about these options.
If you wear braces, avoiding foods that may damage or stain them is important. Sticky foods like caramels and gummy candy should be avoided because they can pull on the wire or cause it to break. Hard or crunchy foods should also be avoided, as these can damage the brackets or irritate your gums. In addition, a diet high in sugar can cause plaque build-up that leads to tooth decay, so it’s best to limit these foods while you have braces. Additionally, using a Waterpik or other flossing device to remove food between teeth and under the brackets can help prevent this build-up.
- Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay
By the time many adults reach adulthood, they have grown accustomed to crooked teeth and other dental issues. But a straight smile is not only more attractive, but it can make a big difference in your daily life as well.
Among other things, it makes it less likely to get food stuck between your teeth or gums. It also reduces the likelihood of receding gums, which can lead to infections and tooth loss.
Teeth misalignment puts extra pressure on certain teeth during chewing and biting, which can damage the jaw bone over time. In addition, overly crowded teeth can harbor bacteria and food particles in areas that toothbrush bristles cannot easily reach. Correcting these problems with braces can prevent serious dental health problems in the future.
A properly aligned bite can also help you speak more clearly. It can ease a lisp or other speech irregularities, more common in adults than children.
It can also help you reduce your risk of injuries from playing sports or falling. If your teeth stick out too far, it is more likely that you will chip or break a tooth in an accident. If your teeth are more evenly aligned, they are less likely to protrude and are more difficult to knock loose or chip.
Although keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces takes a little more effort, the benefits are well worth it in the long run. If you are ready to enjoy a straighter smile and improved oral health, contact us for a consultation today!
- Increased Self-Esteem
Having a beautiful smile can improve self-esteem and confidence. People with crooked teeth or bite issues may be self-conscious about smiling and speaking in public. These concerns can lead them to cover their mouth when they laugh or avoid talking altogether in social situations. Straightening their teeth and correcting their bite with braces can alleviate these concerns, making them feel more comfortable in their appearance and public.
The process of getting braces can be difficult, especially for young teens. They might be worried about how their peers will react to their new look, which can make them uncomfortable and prone to bullying or ridicule. The discomfort and the need for regular adjustments can also drain their self-esteem. However, those who persevere through the treatment will increase their confidence and self-esteem as they see their dazzling smile.
When teeth are crooked, cleaning them properly can be difficult. This can lead to gum disease and cavities. It can also cause problems with the chewing process, which can impact oral health and cause jaw pain. People with crooked teeth also often struggle with low self-esteem, as they feel others are judging them negatively due to their smiles. This can lead them to avoid public activities, hide their face when laughing or smiling, or eat a poor diet that harms oral and physical health.
Braces can help correct these issues and improve their smile, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Patients comfortable with their appearance may be more likely to take risks and go after their goals. This newfound confidence can positively impact their lives, whether in their career or their relationships.
- Reduced Stress
Getting braces as an adult may seem superficial, but it can improve your life in countless ways. Straight teeth can give you a more attractive smile, which in turn helps boost your confidence and self-esteem. In addition, it can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Finally, it can help you masticate food more efficiently, improving digestion and decreasing stomach issues.
Teeth crooked, overcrowded, or gaps and spaces between them can be more difficult to brush and floss properly. Over time, this can lead to bacterial build-up that causes bad breath. By correcting these problems with orthodontics, you can avoid a host of health issues down the road.
Traditional braces use small metal brackets affixed to each tooth’s front. An archwire holds these tightened each time you visit the orthodontist for adjustments. The wire applies pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the proper position. Today’s braces are made from more comfortable materials and use fewer metal parts. Some have a special nickel-titanium wire that can shape itself around the bone and ligaments. This can apply more pressure in one area than another, helping to speed up treatment and make it more comfortable.
Regardless of the type of braces you have, it’s important to be patient and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care. If you have discomfort, try taking a pain reliever or eating soft, cool foods to ease the pain. You can also use a piece of soft wax to cover the part of the wire or bracket irritating you.