What are the Benefits of Braces?
Many people choose braces for the obvious benefit of having a beautiful smile. A great smile can do wonders for self-esteem, which is a tremendous benefit for children and adults alike.
Here at Frey Orthodontics, we specialize in straightening smiles. However, aesthetics is not the only reason you should fix poorly aligned teeth. There are numerous other benefits of braces that are not cosmetic in nature, and we put together this guide to share them. But first, we should take a look at what braces are and how they work.
What Are Braces?
Frey Orthodontics are on the leading edge of orthodontic technologies, and as such, we are able to offer our patients treatment options that are not yet available in many practices, including the H4™ Self-Ligating System and the Pitts 21 Self-Ligating System. Our state-of-the-art facility allows us to provide progressive treatment approaches alongside more traditional choices. For example, while we offer metal braces, we do not use traditional brackets, preferring instead to use a self-ligating system, which moves teeth faster with less pain, and are easier to keep clean because there are no elastic ties on the braces. We are proud to provide a wide variety of treatments that focus on patient comfort and the best results, including ceramic braces, metal braces with colors, clear aligners, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen, as well as the self-ligating systems mentioned above.
All of these systems work by exerting gentle pressure in a specific direction, gradually moving teeth into their correct positions. The amount of pressure exerted on the teeth can also help to reshape the jawline. While treatment time will vary as each patient has their own specific needs and goals, the average amount of time for most forms of orthodontic treatment is generally anywhere from 18-36 months.
What can Braces and Orthodontic Treatment help with:
- overlapping or crowded teeth
- difficulties with chewing
- misaligned teeth or jaws
- teeth that have excessive spacing
- excessive wear and tear of teeth
Advantages of Braces
Alignment issues not only affect a person’s appearance but also can have the potential to affect a person’s overall health. Additionally, misaligned teeth can have a negative impact on a person’s eating and speaking. The following are some of the lesser-known benefits of braces.
Improved Oral Health
Brushing and flossing thoroughly should be a regular part of your daily hygiene routine, but that can be harder to accomplish when your teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapping. This creates conditions that are favorable for plaque to build up and bacteria to thrive. When plaque and bacteria are allowed to exist unchecked in the mouth, they can cause issues such as the following:
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- cavities
- gingivitis
- bad breath
Fortunately, these kinds of dental ailments and diseases are preventable. Braces can put teeth in the correct positions, alleviating overcrowding and crooked teeth. This makes dental hygiene easier and will help you to avoid unhealthy teeth and gums.
Improved Overall Health
The risk of gum disease is increased by having crowded or crooked teeth. If a person does have gum disease, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and create inflammation and secondary infections. Additionally, misaligned teeth can create difficulty in biting and chewing food, which can negatively your overall health and nutrition.
Improved Chewing
As stated above, teeth and jaws that are out of alignment can make it difficult to bite and chew food properly. Experiencing this over a prolonged period of time can cause the teeth to wear out. As this problem persists, the muscles of the jaws may begin to weaken. This kind of jaw weakening can lead to painful chewing, further exacerbating the problem.
Improved Digestive Process
Painful chewing due to tooth or jaw pain can cause people to avoid certain healthy foods. This inability for proper chewing can also have a detrimental effect on the digestive system. The teeth play an instrumental role in the digestive process, which begins when the teeth begin grinding the food. Misaligned teeth have a great deal of trouble breaking food down properly, causing food to take longer passing through the digestive system.
Improved Speech
Misaligned teeth can affect the placement of the tip of the tongue which affects the proper formation of the ‘t’, ‘n’, and ‘d’ sounds.
Improved Bone Structure
A buildup of tartar and plaque between misaligned teeth and along the gum line can weaken the jawbone. This can lead to gum swelling, bleeding, and loose teeth. If a tooth happens to fall out, the gums can further erode. The same thing can occur when there are noticeable gaps or spaces between the teeth. Too much pressure on the jawbone because of tooth misalignment can also result in a similar level of bone erosion.
Decreased Teeth and Jaw Pain
Misaligned teeth and jaw issues often go hand in hand. The effects may include the following:
- painful chewing
- jaw popping
- headaches
- sleep disorders
Orthodontic treatment properly aligns the teeth and jaws, eliminating these kinds of issues.
Exploring the benefits of braces with Frey Orthodontics
Here at Frey Orthodontics, we put a great deal of effort into working with each patient we see to ensure we recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment possible. Dr. Frey is highly experienced in treating both mild and more serious orthodontic issues, and accepts nothing less than the best results for his patients. His expertise, attention to detail, and compassionate care has been recognized by organizations like the Consumer Research Council of America, who have named Dr. Frey one of “America’s Top Dentists” multiple times.
We are happy to offer a free consultation to determine if orthodontic treatment with Frey Orthodontics is right for you! We understand that every patient is unique and deserves to receive the very best orthodontic care possible. Our entire staff is skilled, experienced, friendly, and committed to creating the most comfortable and rewarding orthodontic experience each time you visit our office.
With offices located in Algonquin and Naperville for your convenience, a wide variety of cutting-edge treatment options, and an award-winning orthodontist looking out for your smile, we are waiting for your call. Get in touch today to schedule your complimentary examination, and take the first step towards a beautiful, fully functional smile you will want to share with the world!
