Although having braces, or clear aligners, and getting them tightened may not be the most fun, the benefits braces from Orthodontist Santa Maria can provide goes well beyond a straighter smile. Learn more about four common issues braces can fix below.
1. Overcrowded or Spaced Teeth
Having overcrowded or spaced teeth can take a real toll on a person's self-esteem, and children and adults alike can feel too self-conscious to smile and laugh as openly as they'd like to. Fortunately, fixing overcrowded teeth or gaps, large and small, is relatively easy with braces or clear aligners. Both methods place gentle pressure on teeth and gradually push them to the desired position.
Braces and aligners have only gotten better in recent years, and they are more comfortable and less noticeable now more than ever!
2. Cavities and Periodontal Issues
When teeth are overcrowded or misaligned, it can often make brushing teeth and flossing properly difficult. As a result, periodontal disease is common in people with teeth alignment issues, as it's hard to reach every spot to clean away debris and plaque.
Braces can realign teeth over a series of months or years, and with better alignment comes easier access to hard-to-reach spaces for proper cleaning. After braces, a person might experience significantly fewer cavities and gum issues, as well as less pain overall from both problems.
3. Jaw Misalignment
When teeth are misaligned, it can lead to an uneven bite, which can ultimately cause more chronic jaw issues like temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Not only are jaw misalignment issues can be incredibly painful, and some even require prescription pain relievers to provide temporary respite from the pain.
TMJ specifically can be treated with a few different methods, like physical therapy, mouth guards, or even jaw surgery, but braces are often a first line of treatment to relieve and prevent future jaw problems from occurring.
4. Chewing or Speech Problems
Sometimes people will struggle with chewing or speech issues, and both can be completely corrected with the use of braces. In fact, many mild speech impediments significantly improve or disappear altogether after a person has braces, as crowded or crooked teeth may no longer impact their ability to speak clearly.
Chewing some foods can also be excruciating for people with misaligned teeth or jaw issues, and braces can be a simple and effective way to correct these problems within months.
The Bottom Line
Most people associate braces with getting straighter teeth for aesthetic reasons, but many don't realize that having properly aligned teeth has a whole host of other benefits for oral, and overall, health. Braces, and clear aligners, may seem costly in the short term, but they can help alleviate some of these problems and more, while also greatly boosting your self-esteem.
If you believe that you, or your child, is ready to get braces or aligners, be sure to speak with your regular orthodontist or get a referral to one from your dentist. An orthodontist can help you decide what is right for you.
