Health Benefits of Having Orthodontic Braces
Jun 27, 2016
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the payoff of getting braces is having a great smile once they are removed. However, the aesthetic advantage of braces is just one of the many benefits that might not be known to a lot of people.
In fact, the benefits of braces extend to your overall health and well-being. From improving your bite and reducing jaw pain to preventing gum disease and enhancing your speech, braces can play a crucial role in enhancing your overall health. In this article, we will look into the many ways braces can benefit you beyond giving you a straight set of teeth.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding these health advantages will undoubtedly give you a new perspective on the importance of orthodontic treatment.
The Impact of Misaligned Teeth on Overall Health
Having misaligned teeth isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It can also have a significant impact on your overall health. When your teeth are crooked or crowded, it becomes challenging to clean them properly. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Misaligned teeth can also affect your bite, causing uneven pressure on your jaw joints and muscles. This can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). By addressing these issues, braces can alleviate the strain on your oral health and improve your overall well-being.
Misaligned teeth can impact your digestion. When you can’t chew your food properly due to dental misalignment, it affects the efficiency of your digestive system. This can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, stomachaches, and nutrient deficiencies. By straightening your teeth with braces, you can improve your ability to chew food thoroughly, aiding in proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Furthermore, misaligned teeth can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Many people feel self-conscious about their crooked or crowded teeth, which can impact their social interactions and overall mental well-being. By addressing these concerns with braces, individuals can gain a boost in self-confidence, leading to improved mental health and overall happiness.
How Braces can improve Oral Health
One of the primary benefits of braces is their ability to improve oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it becomes difficult to clean them thoroughly, even with regular brushing and flossing. The crowded or crooked nature of the teeth creates hard-to-reach areas where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. Over time, this buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into their correct positions, aligning them properly. As your teeth straighten, it becomes easier to clean them effectively, reducing the chances of plaque buildup and gum disease. With improved oral hygiene, you’ll be able to maintain healthier gums and teeth, preventing the need for extensive dental treatments in the future.
Braces can also correct malocclusions, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These misalignments can lead to uneven wear on your teeth, causing premature tooth loss, jaw pain, and even difficulties in speaking and chewing. By addressing these issues with braces, you can improve your bite, alleviate jaw pain, and enhance your overall oral function.
The connection between Oral Health and Systemic Health
It’s important to recognise that oral health is not isolated from the rest of your body. Numerous studies have established a strong connection between oral health and systemic health. Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications.
Gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. The bacteria present in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, leading to inflammation in other parts of the body. This chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
By improving your oral health with braces, you can reduce the risk of gum disease and its potential systemic consequences. Straighter teeth and healthier gums contribute to overall well-being and can positively impact your systemic health overall.
The benefits of proper Jaw Alignment
Braces not only straighten your teeth but also correct jaw misalignments, providing numerous benefits for your overall health. When your upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned, it can lead to various issues such as headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty in speaking and eating. By using braces to align your jaws, you can alleviate these problems and improve your quality of life.
Proper jaw alignment also plays a significant role in preventing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is a condition that affects the jaw joint and muscles, causing pain and discomfort. It can be caused by a misaligned bite, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching. By addressing these underlying issues with braces, you can reduce the risk of developing TMD and its associated symptoms.
In addition to reducing pain and discomfort, correcting jaw misalignments can also enhance your facial aesthetics. When your jaws are aligned, it improves the overall balance and symmetry of your face, resulting in a more attractive appearance
How Braces can improve Breathing and Sleep Quality
Did you know that braces can also improve your breathing and sleep quality? When your teeth are crowded or misaligned, it can impact the position of your tongue and the airflow through your nasal passages. This can lead to breathing difficulties, especially during sleep. Conditions such as sleep apnea and snoring can be exacerbated by dental misalignments.
Braces can help create enough space in your mouth for your tongue to rest in its natural position, allowing for better airflow and reducing the risk of breathing issues during sleep. By improving your breathing and sleep quality, braces can have a positive impact on your overall health and energy levels.
The Psychological / Emotional benefits of a Straight Smile
While the physical health benefits of braces are well-documented, it’s essential not to overlook the psychological and emotional benefits of a straight smile. Your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you, and having a beautiful smile can boost your self-confidence and improve your social interactions.
When you’re self-conscious about your teeth, it can affect your willingness to smile and laugh freely, leading to a diminished sense of self-esteem. By straightening your teeth with braces, you can enhance your smile and feel more confident in social situations, leading to improved mental well-being.
A straight smile can also positively impact your professional life. Studies have shown that people with attractive smiles are perceived as more confident, trustworthy, and successful. This can open doors to better career opportunities and professional relationships.
Braces has so many benefits to Overall Health
Braces offer more than just a beautiful smile; they provide numerous health benefits that can positively impact your overall well-being. By addressing misaligned teeth, braces improve oral health, prevent systemic health issues, and enhance jaw alignment. They also contribute to better breathing, sleep quality, and self-esteem.
The presence of braces also becomes a great reminder of how important it is to properly brush and floss our teeth because the brackets themselves are potential food traps. This reinforcement of dental hygiene will be carried out even after the removal of the braces and helps maintain healthy teeth.
By embarking on the braces journey, you can transform your life and enjoy the long-lasting health benefits of a properly aligned smile.
