Braces have long been used by dental professionals to create beautiful smiles. We know braces are used to help straighten the teeth but there are many other benefits from wearing braces, they are more than aesthetic. Before you get fitted for braces, talk to your dentist about the many other health benefits that are associated with braces. Braces definitely play a major role in enhancing your smile, but they can also be very beneficial in helping achieve wellness and affect your overall health. Here are a few ways braces can offer you a healthier life.
Braces Lead to Healthier Mouths
When your teeth are too crowded or are too spaced out, then the gums can become swollen and red. These two characteristics are also symptoms of periodontal diseases. When food is allowed to build up in these extra spaces, bacteria can begin to grow and eventually cavities can form. Gum disease and cavities can lead to the development of periodontal disease which can eventually lead to health problems that are not just contained in the mouth. Braces help create more properly aligned teeth which helps gums fit around the teeth more securely. This proper spacing promotes strong and healthy defense against many of the periodontal problems that can arise.
Braces Promote Good Oral Hygiene
Dental professionals use braces to make teeth straighter and aesthetically, this is more appealing. But there are some health benefits that come from having teeth that are straighter. Misaligned or crooked teeth can create spaces which allow for food to build up. They can also cause serious bite issues. Straighter teeth make it a lot easier to keep clean and allow for ease of brushing, cleaning and flossing giving you a healthier mouth overall.
Without proper oral hygiene, a person is more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. When these are left untreated, they can cause other problems. The ADA (American Dental Association) has conducted studies that show oral infections possibly lead to other serious conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and pneumonia. By wearing braces problems with crooked or misaligned teeth are corrected, but many serious conditions can be avoided.
Braces Create a More Effective Bite
A bad bite, called a malocclusion, can lead to issues with the jaws, or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint). A misaligned bite can mean chewing that is not as effective as it needs to be and that can lead to digestive problems. When the bite is off even just a little bit, it can lead to complaints like back pain, headaches, and a sore neck. Straight teeth help correct the bite and chewing function of the mouth; and can prevent uneven wearing down of the teeth. Worn teeth can become progressively weak when misalignments have not been corrected.
Braces Prevent Injuries and Other Health Risks
Braces straighten teeth and correct bites so that protruding teeth are diminished. When protruding teeth are not corrected, particularly in children aged 6 to 10, it has the potential of being hazardous. Children of these young ages are put at a higher risk of injuries especially when involved in high impact or high contact activities like many sports. But not correcting a severe overbite can also cause improper chewing which can mean there is poor absorption of nutrients which are essential to proper growth. For those who do not have this corrected they can have higher instances of reflux since they typically try to swallow larger bites. This can have an adverse effect on tooth enamel and the lining of the stomach. Braces can help correct these problems which helps prevent or reduce the risks of developing serious health conditions.
Braces Help with Emotional Health
Wearing braces can be difficult on a pre-teen, but the treatment can have an overall positive impact on the individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence. When teeth are properly aligned, you feel like your smile is beautiful and you are likely to feel better about yourself. A smile has a large effect on a person’s life and can many times mean the difference between getting the job they desire and being turned down. Having a beautiful smile can make the difference in how a person is perceived, remembered and treated.