Are Braces Right for Me?
About three out of four people could benefit from braces, but not everyone opts for this corrective dental intervention. This is unfortunate since the benefits of braces can be dramatic and last a lifetime.
Every person’s mouth and every set of teeth are different. So it stands to reason that sometimes, a person’s teeth don’t come in right, or just don’t fit along the gum line neatly. In fact, it’s quite common for patients of all ages to come to our doctors for braces, in order to align their teeth properly, beautify their smiles, and to create proper alignment. However, beyond a perfect smile, braces provide numerous other benefits.
Reasons to Get Braces
Braces Can Prevent Tooth Decay
Misaligned teeth are a bit like misaligned tires. They can wear down more quickly with normal use. When teeth are not aligned properly, upper and lower teeth can rub together in ways that wear down the tooth enamel quickly. When optimal tooth alignment is achieved, the teeth will last longer and tooth decay will be a much less prevalent problem.
Braces Can Help To Prevent Heart Disease
When malocclusions (misaligned teeth) are not remedied- as we pointed out- the teeth will sustain undue damage which can be avoided and lead to degraded oral health. One of the most life-threatening problems that can arise from poor oral health is heart disease. Heart disease can be caused when excess plaque on the teeth and gums finds its way into sores in the mouth that result from an unhealthy dentition. When this happens, plaque can find its way into the bloodstream where it can contribute to the clogging of the arteries.
Braces Can Avoid Health Complications
Heart disease is not the only health problem that can stem from malocclusions. Overbite, underbite, and other misalignments of the teeth can cause a whole range of problems with mild to severe consequences. Headaches, earaches, difficulty or discomfort while chewing and biting, speech impediments, and even painful disorders of the jaw can result. When these problems are caused by malocclusion, braces can almost always remedy them.
Better Confidence and Self Esteem With Braces
Of course, straighter teeth make a more beautiful and healthy smile- and that’s something that can improve our private and professional lives in many ways.
Types of Low-Visibility Braces
Many people avoid getting braces because they feel it will negatively affect their appearance. But there are low visibility options available, among others.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are clear and very hard to spot if you aren’t looking for them. They are transparent aligners that straighten the teeth just like normal braces.
Lingual Braces
This type of braces are very similar to traditional braces, but they are mounted on the back side of the teeth. They are completely hidden.
Ceramic Braces
Like invisible and ordinary braces, ceramic braces are mounted on the front of the teeth. The difference is that they are the same color as tooth enamel and are harder to see.
With all these reasons and all these options- it just doesn’t make sense to avoid what could be a life-changing procedure. If you are interested in transforming your smile and improving your teeth’s alignment, contact Orthodontics by Birth & Fletcher today!
