Orthodontic braces work by applying constant pressure to teeth. This pressure causes teeth to shift over time into their correct positions, fixing bite-related issues like overbites and underbites. It also closes spaces between teeth. When your teeth are misaligned, it makes it harder to chew & speak properly, resulting in discomfort & ineffectiveness during daily activities. Correcting these misalignments with orthodontic braces reduces jaw & mouth joint discomfort & helps you feel more confident about your smile.

Braces consist of a variety of parts, including brackets that are bonded to the front of each tooth and thin archwires that run between them. The archwires are affixed to small rubber bands or metal parts called ties.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Having properly aligned teeth makes it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup. This helps lower your risk of gum disease, which can lead to swollen and bleeding gums. Eventually, it can even cause tooth loss.

Crowded or crooked teeth create tight spaces where food particles and plaque tend to hide, putting you at greater risk for cavities. Orthodontic treatment removes these hiding spots, lowering your risk of decay and promoting healthier teeth and gums.

Braces also help you chew more efficiently, which enhances digestion and aides in maintaining a healthy weight. This is important because improper chewing can result in digestive problems.

Reduced Risk of Gum Disease

Orthodontic braces can help you avoid some of the most serious dental issues that occur due to misaligned teeth and jaws. These problems can include gum disease, excessive wear on certain teeth, or jaw bone erosion. By adjusting your bite, braces can alleviate pressure on your teeth and jaws, helping them heal naturally.

Misaligned teeth and jaws create tight spaces where food particles can hide, increasing your risk for tooth decay. These spaces can also harbor bacteria that lead to gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it causes red and swollen gums that are prone to bleeding when brushing or flossing. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and jaw bone erosion.

To reduce your risk for gum disease, make sure to brush your teeth regularly and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss at least once per day using a waxed floss or a water flosser that shoots pressurized water to dislodge trapped food. Also, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can increase plaque formation. Finally, make sure to get regular dental checkups so your dentist can spot any early signs of gum disease and address them before they become more serious.

Clearer Speech

When teeth and jaws are properly aligned, it becomes easier to pronounce certain sounds. This can reduce or eliminate lisps and other speech impediments that may be influenced by malocclusions, such as an underbite, crossbite, narrow arches, or crowding.

Straight teeth are also easier to brush and floss, reducing bacterial build-up in the cervices where food particles often get stuck. Over time, this can prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Although braces can affect the way you speak temporarily at first, these effects are usually short-lived. With time, your tongue and mouth will learn to adjust to the new hardware, resulting in improved clarity. Additionally, treatment options like lingual braces and clear aligners offer a less noticeable way to straighten teeth without affecting the pronunciation of certain words. This can help ease the transition for children, who are sometimes more sensitive to temporary changes in their speech. However, patients should always remember to focus on the long-term benefits of a straighter smile, including improved communication skills.

More Confident Smile

A straight smile gives you a confidence boost that helps you excel in personal and professional endeavors. Studies show that people with straight teeth have a higher hiring and promotion potential than those with crooked ones.

While you are undergoing treatment, avoid foods that are too sticky, hard, or crunchy. These foods can break or damage the bond of the orthodontic resin that holds the brackets to your teeth. It is also important to cut up any food into small pieces or chew thoroughly before eating them. This helps prevent food particles from becoming trapped in tight spaces between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This minimizes your risk of developing plaque, tartar, & cavities.