Are you considering braces to correct a problem with your smile or bite? Are you wondering about the benefits that braces can provide? While braces can improve your smile by straightening your teeth, they can also improve your overall oral health. Braces assist in the prevention of gum disease and other issues by addressing problems with crowded and misaligned teeth. Any questions pertaining to braces and whether they are right for you or your child, should be address with an orthodontist. An orthodontist will develop a specific treatment plan designed around your child’s, or your, needs. To learn more about the many benefits of braces, contact Columbia Town Center Orthodontics.
How Braces May Improve Your Oral Health
Braces correct problems with tooth alignment and spacing. Typically, this treatment lasts for one to three years and involves regular visits to an orthodontist. How do braces work? Traditional metal braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth with a special adhesive. A wire is then connected to intersect all the brackets, tying the arch together. This wire is adjusted approximately every six to eight weeks to gradually shift the teeth into place.
You might think of braces as a tool to fix issues with how your teeth appear. This is correct; yet they also assist in improving your oral health. Crowded or misaligned teeth can cause oral health issues such as tooth decay. If your teeth overlap or are pushed together tightly, you may have difficulty brushing or flossing effectively. If this occurs, bacteria and plaque may build up, causing cavities and other dental health issues. Braces overtime will move your teeth into proper alignment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Thus, lowering your risk of periodontitis, gum disease and other oral problems.
Braces are most often used to help correct a misaligned bite. An incorrect bite can lead to significant oral health issues. For example, certain teeth can experience more stress and strain than others. This stress can make these teeth weaker and more susceptible to chipping or breaking. By correcting these problems early, you can avoid further complications down the road.
Additional benefits of braces include the following:
- Less strain on the jaw and muscles
- Less risk for bone erosion
- Improved digestion
- Reduced risk of injury from protruding teeth
Other Benefits of Braces
In addition to promoting good oral health, the outcome of having had braces might enhance your self-esteem, making you feel more confident in your appearance, your ability to speak and improved ease when chewing and digesting your food. For some individuals, crooked and/or crowded teeth cause problems with speech because the teeth interfere with typical speech patterns. And for others, a misaligned bite can make it difficult to chew food. Fortunately, braces can fix these problems and improve your quality of life. Your orthodontist will work with you to ensure that you receive the right treatment that will ultimately produce the smile you want.
Learn More at Columbia Town Center Ortho
If you or your child are in need of braces, we invite you to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist at Columbia Town Center Orthodontics. Whether you have issues with your bite, oral health issues stemming from crowded teeth, or you have concerns when it comes to smiling, we can help. At our practice, we offer several types of braces to suit your needs, including less-noticeable options like clear aligners or ceramic braces. Contact Columbia Town Center Orthodontics at 410.873.9242 to schedule a consultation and learn more today.
