Everyone wants a naturally aligned bite and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces can help you achieve one. However, Dr. Boschken wants you to know, there are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to all of the cosmetic ones.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Crooked or crowded teeth may overlap each other and create very tight spaces. These tight areas can make it quite difficult to brush and floss effectively, and this allows bacteria and plaque to build up. Eventually this build-up leads to tooth decay and gum disease. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and the proper spacing will allow for more effective, easier brushing.
Speech Difficulties
Your teeth play an essential role in your speech. When teeth are out of proper alignment or lean too far forward or backward, this can affect your speaking patterns. This may cause embarrassment and/or frustration. Braces can readjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more accentuated speech.
Bone Loss
Bone and gum tissues begin to erode when there are no teeth to support. This is also true for poorly aligned teeth. When teeth are misaligned, the crowding or spacing in teeth places too much pressure on the underlying bone structure due to the bad bite. With braces, the bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support your teeth in their new alignment. This means less bone loss and hopefully much less likelihood of tooth loss both now and in your future!
Digestion
Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been broken down in the beginning stages of digestion by your teeth. If teeth are severely out of line, they cannot do their job in breaking down food as effectively as they should. With braces, your teeth will be straightened into optimal alignment for eating and chewing (thus aiding digestion.)
We are here to help you achieve all of your orthodontic goals and provide you and the family with a healthy, beautiful smile! Give us a call for your complimentary evaluation today (408) 225-6660.
