Blog
Posted on August 17, 2021
In the United States, about 4 million people are wearing braces currently. Many people of all ages find out that they need braces by visiting a local orthodontist. After an exam, they are told how they would benefit from orthodontics. There is more to it than just the aesthetics.
Of course, it is known that straightening your teeth will make you look and feel great. However, there are long-term benefits that can improve your health and make you happier. Your overall oral health depends on keeping your teeth as healthy as possible.
How can getting care from orthodontists actually help your digestion? Misaligned teeth make it difficult to chew food and break it down. This makes it harder for your stomach to digest the food you consume, which means it takes longer.
Braces bring teeth into optimal alignment, so chewing is done more thoroughly. Properly chewed food is fully digested better. Therefore, braces can actually improve your digestion.
Crooked and misaligned teeth make it difficult to eat, speak, and can actually damage your other teeth. Your mouth should have evenly spaced teeth that do not overlap. The force of chewing and biting when teeth are straight is evenly distributed across enamel and deep in your jawbone.
When you suffer from overlapping or misaligned teeth, the pressure you use to eat is not evenly distributed. That means force can be applied to just one tooth which increases the chances of it breaking or cracking. Protruding teeth cause problems too.
A protruding tooth can break simply because it doesn’t have a stable base. If you have an overbite and you are hit in the mouth, it’s very likely a protruding tooth will break. Braces strengthen teeth by putting them all in alignment. Then force is evenly distributed, and permanent teeth are less likely to become damaged.
Not every benefit that comes from getting braces is physical. Whether you are a good candidate for metal braces or Invisalign, your mental health will get a boost when it comes to your self-esteem and confidence. Do you struggle with crooked or uneven teeth that make you want to hide your smile? After you have them straightened you will feel better about showing your smile in public.
Teeth and gums suffer from misalignment, but so can the jawbone. Teeth have long roots embedded in your jawbone. When bacteria penetrate teeth and gums, they will also manage to penetrate the bone and start to wear it down and erode it.
A common cause of jawbone erosion is misaligned teeth. That extra force put on your gums and teeth is the culprit. Spaces are created where bacteria percolates and hides, eventually eroding the bones. Braces ensure your jawbone is exercised properly so there are no pockets where bacteria and plaque can hide.
Crooked teeth are notorious for causing uneven wear and tear and are difficult to clean. If you cannot move particles of food from between your teeth, it gives bacteria the opportunity to multiply and fester. Bacteria will also eat away at the enamel of your teeth and cause them to decay. Braces can also prevent tooth decay by straightening your teeth, so they are much easier to maintain and clean.
It is always a good idea to address oral health problems such as having your teeth straightened sooner rather than later. Visit with a local orthodontist near you that can assist you in getting your teeth properly aligned. Their treatment will have a major effect on your mental and physical health. Braces offer numerous long-term benefits that can’t be denied.
