Do you need braces?
Many people mistakingly view crooked teeth as a cosmetic issue and opt against braces. But, aligning your smile offers much more than a one-up on your picture profile.
Keep reading to learn five health benefits of braces that might surprise you!
1. Comfort
When your smile does not line up, it does not only appear unsightly. It can also create a lot of pain and discomfort. Chronic pain can cause people to miss work, shy away from social situations, and simply lose out on the enjoyment of everyday life.
Braces may improve pain in the teeth, mouth, and jaw. They may also stop chronic headaches caused by misalignment issues.
2. Oral Health
Crooked smiles stink. Not only the situation, but literally your breath can smell when teeth crowd one another.
Brushing and flossing remove food particles and plaque, which can lead to bad breath. But, when teeth grow too close to each other, they make certain spots difficult if not impossible to reach, creating a buildup.
Aside from offending others, this can also cause cavities and gum disease down the road. Braces straighten the teeth and open up those inaccessible spaces, making cleaning an easy chore.
3. Jaw Health
Your face consists of 14 bones that structure your looks and allow for functions like chewing, smiling, and speaking. Getting braces can assist in the longevity of these facial bones.
When your teeth make proper cleaning difficult, bacteria can cause bad infections that affect the integrity of your jawbones. Misalignments also affect the joints of the jaw, often leading to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). This limits how far the mouth can open causing pain and difficulties with eating and speaking.
4. Digestion
People do not often think of digestive health as one of the health benefits of braces, but they should. Teeth provide a mode for mechanical digestion. Chewing begins the important breakdown of food that prevents choking and allows for nutrient absorption.
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites all make proper chewing difficult because the top and bottom teeth cannot properly connect with one another.
This leads to large chunks of food creating a choking hazard and entering the digestive system. Even if you swallow them properly, it can result in stomach aches, nutrient deficiencies, and overeating.
Braces move the teeth back into proper alignment, making chewing easier and more effective. You may suffer from digestive issues that will correct themselves once you correct your teeth.
5. Mental Health
Society places emphasis on a nice smile, making many people self-conscious to show off they’re less than perfect pearly whites. This actually hinders their mental health.
Smiling releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. Braces allow people to gain back their confidence so they feel comfortable always wearing a smile.
Enjoy the Benefits of Braces
Did these benefits of braces surprise you? Your orthodontist can help you both look good and feel good, making for a healthier and happier life.
We want to help improve your smile! Contact us to schedule your appointment today.