Blog
Posted on December 16, 2020
A smile is, in a way, a unique marker of our individuality and essence as a person. Upon making first impressions with new acquaintances, one of the first things we notice about them is whether they smile at us or not. Having a positive and warming smile can open up many doors, and is a trait that everyone seems to want to have. But what do you do if you don’t have that picture-perfect smile? Aside from cosmetic surgery, the answer is usually braces.
Braces and orthodontics are commonly stereotyped as being in the realm of teenagers and children. This common trope is still present in our culture, even though it becomes less true by the day. In fact, braces are no longer just for kids: one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of eighteen. Adults are quickly realizing the benefits of braces for non-aesthetic purposes while also seeking their best smile.
Here’s why braces aren’t just for the kids anymore.
The nice thing about receiving braces now, in this day and age, is that you no longer have to be encumbered by traditional metal braces. You can still opt for them if you’d like, but invisible adult braces, such as Invisalign, are now more affordable and better than ever.
You might even ask yourself, how much is a smile worth? When you’re working on your perfect smile with invisible braces or otherwise, you’re investing in yourself. Having a nice smile and being able to show it off can open up many professional and personal opportunities while reducing anxiety.
While braces are usually known for fixing aesthetic issues, they can actually help fix latent health issues as well. Braces help to align teeth and align the jaw, which can be a crucial part of fixing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. These issues can cause the jaw to pop or disengage its ligaments which can also lead to teeth grinding. These issues can all cascade into headaches, nerve pain, and other unpleasant issues. By aligning the jaw and fixing TMJ issues, other latent health issues can be prevented.
There is also a problem that can occur when the teeth do not line up and bump against the gum line, commonly called a malocclusion. Whether this is the result of an underbite or overbite is irrelevant. If the teeth are not aligned and bump up against each other or the gum line, you are in trouble. This can also result in eating issues, where food is harder to chew and may end up causing digestion issues. By simply fixing these issues before time allows them to develop into later frustrations, you truly can improve yourself one day at a time.
It is well-known among dental professionals that plaque and tartar love to hide in the crevices of teeth that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. When teeth are crooked and jagged, there are simply more of these crevices for plaque and tartar to hide. They can also be more difficult to clean, causing issues later on in the development of gingivitis and cavities.
When teeth are easier to clean, floss, and inspect, the risk of gingivitis and oral disease go way down. This has the potential to save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in expensive and painful dental fees down the road. Rely on Imagine Braces when you’re looking to improve your smile.
