Braces have been a popular treatment option for kids and adults who want a more attractive smile. While a beautiful smile is appealing, braces also have medical benefits, some of which may surprise you.
Continue reading to learn more!
Here are some Medical Benefits of Braces
- Improved Bite
While one of the purposes of braces is to straighten crooked teeth, they are also used to fix bites that are out of alignment. A ‘bite’ is the dental term for how your upper and lower teeth fit together. When you have gaps in your bite due to missing or misaligned teeth, it can affect your ability to break down food, which is an important element of healthy digestion. A misaligned bite can make it difficult to chew properly or even eat.
A misaligned bite can become painful if left untreated, as your jaw needs to work harder to chew. This can lead to lock jaw, TMJ disease, and jaw pain-related migraines, all of which may necessitate complex dental and medical therapy.
- Better Oral Hygiene Practices
It’s more difficult to keep your teeth clean if they’re crowded and crooked. It’s likely that parts of the tooth are hidden behind another tooth, making cleaning and flossing nearly impossible. Bacteria can build up on teeth if they aren’t properly cleaned, leading to gum disease and cavities. Gum diseases can alleviate underlying heart problems and one of the causes for preterm birth. Brushing and flossing should improve naturally as crowded teeth are straightened.
In general, brushing twice a day, using mouthwash, and flossing everyday are all good dental hygiene habits. When you have braces on your teeth, regular dental hygiene is even more crucial to avoid foul breath, gum disease, and tooth stains. Brushing and flossing between and around the brackets and wires is especially important when wearing braces. This can help foster new habits that, when combined with more frequent dental appointments, will result in better habits that will last a lifetime.
- Enhanced Jaw Alignment
Some speech impairments might be caused by teeth overcrowding or jaw misalignment. On the bright side, orthodontic treatment can correct both the jaw and palate alignment issues that cause speech difficulties. Before the braces are applied, an expander may be used as part of the orthodontic therapy to widen the palate.
Better breathing, less snoring, and even improved ear and sinus troubles caused by jaw misalignment can all be benefits of expanding your palate. In fact, by bringing your face into right proportions, excellent jaw alignment can change the way you look.
- More Confidence
Confidence has been found to lead to greater success in life. People are less likely to take the risks required to pursue a top job or seek for a promotion if they hide their smile out of embarrassment. When a person is no longer self-conscious about their grin, they gain confidence, which is linked to increased happiness, increased productivity, less social anxiety, and improved health.
It is indeed a major misconception that Orthodontic therapy is for beautification and aesthetic reasons alone! Straight teeth have a host of benefits starting with better health and good oral hygiene, which ensure the pink of health over decades. It’s evident that the medical benefits of braces are just as significant, if not more vital, than a nice-looking smile, with increased smile function, better dental hygiene practices, and more confidence.
Make an appointment with our orthodontist now for a personalized diagnostic and treatment plan if you’re thinking about getting that gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted!
Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!