There’s nothing that complements your amazing personality or even your outfit-choice better than a smile. Making sure your smile is of A-grade quality is simple – visit your orthodontist and have him/her fit you with a set of braces that can fix your teeth in no time at all. Besides the cosmetic factor generally associated with braces, there are other benefits- dental and otherwise, that are provided by braces.
The benefits of braces
People usually turn to braces to improve their smiles. Having crooked, twisted, or uneven teeth straightened is what braces are known to do. But wait…there’s more. Here are 6 benefits of braces you never knew about that will have you looking at braces in an all-new light:
Braces-benefit #1: Reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease and tooth decay
Although misaligned teeth may seem to merely be an aesthetic issue, it goes a bit further than that. Teeth that are misaligned tend to create tight spaces between each other that trap food particles and debris. Reaching these gaps can prove difficult; and over time, the remnants and debris stuck in the gaps turn into plaque. Plaque build-up contains bacteria, which produces acids that start wearing down the enamel of the teeth- beginning the process of tooth decay.
Furthermore, the tight spaces tend to make flossing a daunting task, leading to inadequate flossing or even an unwillingness to floss. If you are unable to manoeuvre the floss right up to your gum line, it can place you at risk for gum disease.
Braces-benefit#2: Helps prevent bone erosion
The pressure exerted by your teeth is important for stimulating bone growth. If your teeth are misaligned, it can lead to too much pressure exerted by certain teeth, resulting in the gradual erosion of the jaw bone. Similarly, a lack of stimulation is caused by misaligned teeth that fail to exert enough pressure on the bone. Braces will ensure that your teeth are properly positioned, allowing for optimal pressure to be exerted by all your teeth.
Braces-benefit#3: Helps prevent dental injuries
Unfortunately, having protruding front teeth increases your chances of sustaining dental trauma. Whilst a mouthguard can be effective in protecting your teeth from injury during sporting activities, those unlucky falls or unexpected blows to the mouth that are sometimes unforeseen, are more likely to result in dental trauma. Furthermore, people with misaligned teeth tend to inadvertently bite their tongue and cheeks when chewing or speaking due to the improper placement of their teeth. This can be easily corrected with braces.
Braces-benefit#4: Prevents Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) and jaw pain
When the top and bottom teeth fail to fit together- it is called malocclusion. This places undue strain and tension on the temporomandibular joint. Excessive pressure on the joint can result in headaches, neck pains, difficulty chewing and swallowing, as well as a clicking noise from the jaw. Braces are effective in correcting malocclusion, thereby easing the strain on the temporomandibular joint and related muscles.
Braces-benefit#5: Ensures better digestion
Misaligned teeth make it difficult to eat and chew properly. Foods that are chewed into small, easily-digestible pieces make it easier for the body to break them down, allowing for the absorption of even more nutrients. Foods that are not sufficiently broken down can result in a bacterial overgrowth in the colon, causing constipation, indigestion and bloating. Other issues caused by improperly digested food include gas, stomach cramps, and heartburn. Chewing, thus plays a vital role in digestion, making it important to have your teeth properly aligned with braces.
Braces-benefit#6: Helps improve speech
The way your teeth are aligned affects how you pronounce words. There are several problems caused by misaligned teeth, such as,
- Lisping or whistling
A whistling sound is created when excess air passes between your teeth, which happens when overlapping or twisted teeth causes your tongue to be improperly positioned in your mouth.
- Slurring of words
Slurred speech occurs when the tongue is restricted by the placement of your teeth or jaw structure.
- Difficulty pronouncing words
Certain sounds, like “t”, “s”, and “ch” can be difficult to pronounce if your teeth are not aligned properly.
Not being able to speak as effectively as you wish to, can result in mumbling- which creates the habit of using the facial muscles in an unnatural way. This leads to the facial muscles becoming less flexible, which is something that becomes harder to rectify over time.
Taking that first step towards improving your speech can easily be done by visiting your orthodontist and having your braces fitted. In fact, it is recommended that children have an orthodontist check-up by age 7, which allows for the parent to be advised as to when future treatment with braces may commence.
Book your appointment with Best Smile Orthodontist!
Worried about the dental issues you may experience as a result of your overbite? Ready to finally align those teeth? Then give us a call today! Here at Best Smile Orthodontist, we really are committed to helping you get the best smile possible with a set of braces best suited to you and your needs.
