Are you thinking about getting adult braces? Maybe your kid or teen has talked about wanting to straighten their crooked teeth. If so, we can definitely help you out, however, you should know that braces come with more benefits than just a straight smile.

When most people think of braces, they focus on the fact that they give you straight teeth and a better smile. However, braces do a lot more than improve your appearance — they also come with plenty of health benefits.

From improving your oral health to boosting your mood (and mental health in general), braces do more than you might think.

In this article, we’ll discuss the main health benefits of braces. If you’re considering getting braces for yourself or your kid, we’d definitely recommend setting up an appointment at Centerton Orthodontics in Vineland, NJ.

Dr. Cohen will help you better understand how braces can transform both your physical and mental health. Let’s get started!

Improve Your Confidence

One of the most immediate benefits of braces is how they enhance your appearance. Crooked or misaligned teeth can make people feel self-conscious about smiling or even speaking. Braces gradually straighten your teeth, which means you’ll finally have the confidence to show off your smile.

With your new smile, you may find it easier to participate in social events, perform better in interviews, and build stronger relationships with others — all thanks to the self-esteem boost that braces provide.

Better Oral Hygiene

Crooked teeth make it difficult to properly brush and floss. Pieces of food can get trapped in hard-to-reach spots, which can lead to plaque buildup. This is a huge reason why getting braces is so important if you need them. Braces straighten your teeth, which makes them a lot easier to clean.

Once your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll find that brushing and flossing your teeth is actually a lot more effective. You’ll have a much easier time maintaining your oral hygiene, which means fewer trips to the dentist to get cavities filled.

Protection Against Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

When your teeth are misaligned, it’s not just an oral hygiene problem — it’s a recipe for tooth decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth create pockets where bacteria thrive. Needless to say, this will increase your risk of dental issues.

Braces solve this problem by closing gaps and aligning your teeth. Basically, they reduce the hiding spots for bacteria. With proper oral care, you’ll have healthier teeth and gums, which will help to lower your chances of experiencing tooth decay and gum disease.

Improved Bite Function

Misaligned teeth can also cause problems with your bite (e.g. overbites, underbites, and crossbites). These issues can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort as well as wear down your teeth unevenly.

Braces correct your bite — in other words, they’ll help your teeth come together properly when you chew or speak. This not only improves your oral health, but it’ll also help prevent long-term problems like jaw pain or chipped teeth.

Prevention of Dental Injuries

Teeth that stick out are more likely to get injured, especially if you happen to play contact sports. Braces can bring protruding teeth back into proper alignment, therefore protecting them from accidental trauma.

Better Digestion

Did you know your teeth play a huge role in digestion? Misaligned teeth can make it harder to chew food into small, manageable pieces. When food isn’t properly broken down, it puts extra strain on your digestive system.

With braces, your teeth will align correctly, which will allow you to chew your food more effectively. This leads to better digestion and nutrient absorption, which is very beneficial for your health.

Reduced Risk of Jaw Pain

Crooked teeth often create uneven pressure on your jaw, which can lead to pain, clicking, or even headaches associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Braces distribute the pressure evenly across your teeth and jaw, preventing the unnecessary strain that causes discomfort. After treatment, many people experience relief from jaw pain, so it’s definitely worth it.

Improved Speech Clarity

Crooked or misaligned teeth can sometimes affect how you speak. This may lead to lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. By aligning your teeth, braces help improve your speech clarity. You’ll feel more confident speaking in class or giving presentations at work.

Prevention of Bone Erosion

Your teeth and jawbones work together to keep your mouth healthy and functioning properly. Misaligned teeth can put uneven pressure on certain parts of your jaw, which can cause certain areas of bone to erode over time.

Braces correct this issue by aligning your teeth so that the pressure is evenly distributed across your whole jaw. This stimulates healthy bone growth and prevents long-term dental health issues.

Long-Term Mental Health Benefits

The benefits of braces aren’t just physical. Braces can also be good for your mental health, especially once you finish treatment. Feeling confident about your smile can reduce social anxiety and help you feel good about yourself.

When you know that your teeth look great, you’ll be more likely to engage with others and feel comfortable in your own skin. This can have a ripple effect on your overall happiness and quality of life.

Conclusion

Braces are a proven and effective way to address lots of different dental problems, including crooked teeth and serious bite misalignment issues. Working with an orthodontist in Vineland, NJ, you’ll get personalized care — which means you can rest assured that you’ll get the best results.

Once again, braces offer so much more than just a perfect smile. From excellent oral health and improved digestion to better mental health and protection against injuries, the benefits of braces clearly go on and on.

If you’re thinking about getting braces for yourself or a family member, consult an experienced orthodontist in Vineland, NJ to explore your options. With proper care and guidance, braces can transform your smile — and your overall health — for the better. Set up a consultation with Centerton Orthodontics today!