If you have misaligned teeth, braces will not only improve your overall appearance, they’ll also enhance your health. While most people are aware that braces can restore a patient’s smile, few people realize how they can also improve oral health. Braces are a valuable investment because they confer so many general benefits that enhance patients’ overall health.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces
Everett Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires. These are the types of braces that most people are familiar with, except that the modern version of traditional braces involves smaller brackets that are much less noticeable than what was in common use years ago. Today, special archwires use body heat to make the teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.
Ceramic Braces
Everett Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in that they’re the same size and shape, but ceramic brackets are either clear or tooth-colored. Today, there are even tooth-colored wires that can be used to adjust the teeth which makes this type of braces much less noticeable.
Clear Braces
Everett Clear braces, removable aligners are practically invisible in the mouth and they can be customized to fit your teeth. There are no wires or brackets, so the aligners are extremely comfortable and discreet.
Benefits of Braces
Straight teeth are important for a lot of reasons. It’s true that one of the biggest motivators for getting braces is to improve the aesthetics of the smile, but, many of the benefits that patients experience as a result of getting braces have to do with enhancing overall physical and psychological health.
1. Improved Oral Health
Having straight teeth means that you’ll be far less likely to suffer the ravages of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, mouth injury, a bad bite, and bone erosion. Simply put, it’s easier to brush and floss straight teeth so braces can help patients keep their teeth in good health. The risk of periodontal disease and cavities is significantly reduced when patients go through the effort to align their teeth.
2. Improved Digestive Health
Misaligned teeth can make it hard to properly chew food. As a result, it may take more time for the stomach to digest food. When your teeth are straight and you can chew your food normally, digestion is correspondingly improved.
3. Enhanced Bone Health
When the teeth aren’t straight, the jawbone may start to erode, and bone loss can occur. That’s because crowded or misaligned teeth lead to problems like gum disease and bacterial infections that can start eating away at the bone tissues in the jaw. By aligning the teeth, jawbone erosion is diminished which means that your natural teeth will be more likely to stay firmly rooted in place.
4. Increased Self-Confidence
Most people feel more confident when they have straight teeth. It’s easier to smile confidently for pictures and to do things like public speaking when your teeth are properly aligned. So straight, healthy teeth can actually improve your psychological health. A person who feels confident smiling will tend to smile more often than people who feel like their smile needs improvement.
5. Improved Facial Appearance
As the teeth move into their proper positions, the position of the lips and jaws also move. Often, as the teeth are straightened, the lips and jaw position themselves in a more pleasing way in relation to the other facial features. So, while most patients come to us to improve the appearance of their teeth and their smile, often, the end result is much more dramatic. The whole face is altered and improved by the new positioning of the teeth.
6. Improved Speech and Pronunciation
Misaligned teeth can lead to poor pronunciation including chronic speech issues such as whistling sounds when you say certain words. Braces can permanently correct these issues.
Getting a straighter smile can do a lot for you besides just giving you a smile that looks amazing. To Start on your orthodontic journey contact our Everett orthodontic office today!
What type of braces is the best?
All types of braces in Everett are a great way to achieve your perfect smile; however, your orthodontist will make the best recommendation for you based on your individual needs.
Does wearing braces hurt?
Braces treatment in Everett does not hurt. However, it is entirely normal to feel slight discomfort when you first start your orthodontic treatment.
How long will I have braces?
Some treatments may take a few months, while others may take several years. On average, typical treatment takes between 12 and 36 months. Treatment time varies widely from patient to patient.
How much do braces cost?
The cost of Everett braces varies depending on the type of braces you and your orthodontist choose to treat your specific malocclusion.
How often do I have to go in for checkups If I have braces?
You will most likely need to see the orthodontist every four to eight weeks. Your orthodontist will determine if your teeth are progressing correctly during your appointment. The time between appointments may vary depending on your orthodontist’s instructions or treatment plan.
What foods to avoid with braces?
Your orthodontist will recommend a braces treatment-friendly diet for you to follow, but as a general rule, you should avoid anything too crunchy, hard, or sticky as these types of foods can damage your braces.
How can I take care of my teeth if I’m wearing braces or a retainer?
The most important thing to do is follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and stick to your checkup appointments. Good oral hygiene and staying away from some foods and drinks will also be critical for your orthodontic care.
Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?
Dental hygiene is important whether you have braces or not; however, you will need to be more careful about flossing and brushing correctly while using braces so you remove food particles properly from between your teeth and brackets.