One of the most obvious benefits of braces is a more attractive smile. This can help you get ahead at work or impress a significant other. Misaligned teeth can create crevices that retain bacterial plaque, which can lead to gum disease. Braces help fix these problems by aligning your teeth and bite properly.

Improved Appearance

Modern dental technology has improved traditional braces so that they are sleeker, smaller and less noticeable. They also use thinner metal wires and elastic ligatures that are tooth colored to blend in better with your smile. These changes make the treatment process more comfortable for adults and teens.

Crowded or crooked teeth create tight spaces that can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening your teeth eliminates these hiding spots, making it easier to brush and floss.

Misaligned teeth can lead to an improper bite, causing stress on the jaw joints and resulting in discomfort or jaw pain. Braces address these issues by realigning your teeth and improving the function of your jaw. In addition, a proper bite can help reduce problems with digestion. In some cases, a crowded or crooked jaw can cause slurring when speaking, so braces can help improve speech clarity. This is particularly important for those who have difficulty pronouncing certain words.

Better Oral Hygiene

One of the most important benefits of braces is that they make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Crooked and misaligned teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to clean, allowing plaque to build up and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. By gradually shifting the teeth into their correct positions, braces eliminate these hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Additionally, braces can help to correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These bite problems can lead to excessive wear and tear on certain teeth, resulting in premature tooth damage and expensive dental procedures down the road. By improving alignment, braces can reduce these risks by evenly distributing the pressure of chewing across all of the teeth.

When wearing braces, it’s essential to brush after every meal or snack and to floss regularly to remove food particles and accumulated plaque from around the brackets and wires. It’s also a good idea to use mouthwash daily to rinse away bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria break down the hard enamel that protects your teeth. These bacteria require nutrients to grow, such as sugars found in foods and beverages.

When the bacterial growth goes unchecked it can lead to holes in your teeth known as cavities. The longer these holes are left untreated, the more damage they do to the inner tooth and the pulp inside.

A cavity is usually a painless affair until the decay reaches the centre of the tooth and causes sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods. Then the tooth may need a filling to repair the damage.

When you have braces, it is essential to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. This will help prevent the occurrence of tooth decay or gum disease that can occur while your teeth are being straightened. A good dental cleaning and exam can also identify any problems as early as possible and prevent them from worsening during orthodontic treatment.

Reduced Risk of Gum Disease

Misaligned teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to clean, providing safe havens for bacteria and plaque. Braces correct teeth alignment, making it easier to maintain healthy gums.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. It also makes it harder to chew and speak properly.

A common side effect of orthodontic treatment is swollen and red gums (gingivitis). Gingivitis usually only causes pain and discomfort, but if it goes on for a long time, it can advance to periodontitis. This fourth stage of gum disease affects the tissue and bone that supports teeth, causing them to disintegrate, leaving a patient vulnerable to tooth loss. The good news is that by practicing excellent oral hygiene while wearing braces, you can avoid gingivitis and the more severe stages of gum disease. Moreover, the forces exerted by braces on the teeth help distribute them evenly, which helps preserve the enamel layer and reduces sensitivity.