How Do Braces Improve Dental Health?

Wondering how dental braces could improve your health? You’ve come to the right place! Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas would be more than happy to help you on your journey to a healthier, more attractive smile. Whether you’re seeking orthodontic treatment for the first time as an adult or you’ve had braces in the past, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Here’s what you need to know about dental braces and how they can improve your health in the long run.

Prevent Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. While you can maintain a healthy smile by brushing and flossing every day, it’s hard to clean between crooked, crowded teeth. This can especially be the case if you have teeth that are difficult to floss due to crowding.

Over time, plaque will harden into tartar and increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. For this reason, we recommend that you seek orthodontic treatment as soon as possible. Our orthodontists are proud to offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and other options for your smile.

Avoid Gum Disease

Gingivitis is gum inflammation, which you can reverse by practicing good oral hygiene. The only problem is that you may not be able to fully practice good oral hygiene if it’s difficult to brush and floss crowded teeth. That’s why we recommend seeing an orthodontist from one of our offices if you’re experiencing these issues.

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis can’t be cured and can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and other health issues.

The good news is that we can help you avoid these problems with metal braces, ceramic braces, or other types of orthodontic treatment.

Prevent TMJ Disorders

Do you have a bite issue, such as an overbite or underbite? If so, you have a higher risk of developing a TMJ disorder during your lifetime. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the skull. If this hinge is under a tremendous amount of pressure due to issues with bite alignment, you may experience jaw pain or discomfort while eating.

One of the main benefits of orthodontic treatment is that we’re able to restore a harmonious relationship between your upper and lower jaws. That way, you’ll be able to prevent TMJ disorders from happening in the first place.

Protect Tooth Enamel

Do your teeth and jaws meet correctly when you bite down? If not, you may develop abnormal wear patterns on your teeth if you don’t seek orthodontic treatment. When only a few teeth meet, the enamel wears away faster on those teeth compared to the other teeth in your smile. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and other problems if left untreated.

Prevent Dental Injuries

Braces play a crucial role in reducing the risk of dental injuries by ensuring teeth are properly aligned and protected. Misaligned teeth can protrude or overlap, making them more susceptible to chipping, cracking, or other forms of damage during accidents or even normal activities like eating.

By bringing the teeth into proper alignment, orthodontic braces create a more uniform and sturdy dental structure. This alignment helps distribute the force of any impact more evenly across all teeth, reducing the likelihood of injury.

Additionally, well-aligned teeth can prevent soft tissue damage inside the mouth, contributing to overall oral health and safety.

Boost Your Confidence

The psychological impact of dental braces extends beyond oral health, profoundly affecting an individual's confidence and self-esteem. A straighter, more attractive smile can transform how a person perceives themselves and how they are perceived by others.

This boost in confidence can lead to better social interactions, increased willingness to engage in public speaking, and a more positive overall self-image. The process of getting orthodontic braces for teeth also instills a sense of discipline and self-care, further enhancing an individual's confidence.

Related:How Will Dental Braces Change My Appearance? →

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation

Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental braces, please call Parrish Orthodontics at (260) 447-2568. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.