Braces do more than simply straighten teeth for a beautiful smile. In addition to improving a patient’s appearance and confidence, they play an essential role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing future dental problems.
The months or years you devote to wearing braces are well worth it when you consider the lifetime of benefits that a healthy mouth provides.
Here are some of the benefits of braces that go beyond just straight teeth.
Braces make it easier to have good oral hygiene
While it’s true that oral hygiene is a bit trickier to perform while you have braces, once they’re off your teeth, flossing and brushing become much easier. Floss slides down much more easily into the spaces between straight teeth than it does crowded or overlapping ones and can dislodge trapped food particles with greater ease. Toothbrushes can also more effectively reach the outer surfaces of teeth that are properly spaced and aligned.
Braces set you up for long-term dental health
Because it’s easier to floss and brush straight teeth, it’s also easier to stay motivated and on top of a daily oral health regimen. Good daily habits keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay so that bigger dental health problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can result in tooth and bone loss, never have the chance to develop.
Braces fix bite issues
A misaligned bite, such as an underbite or overbite, is more than just an aesthetic issue. Because of the pressure it puts on certain teeth, a misaligned bite can cause teeth to wear down faster than normal and eventually result in tooth loss. When provided by an experienced orthodontist, braces can correct bite issues and prevent these problems from developing.
Another function of braces is to position the teeth and the bite in order to lay a good foundation for other dental work, such veneers, implants, and bridges, to promote optimal outcomes.
Find out more
Want to know more about how braces can improve your smile and set you up for long-term oral health? We can help you determine if braces are right for you. Our team works with many patients and families in the Burbank and Glendale areas. Contact us to schedule your appointment.