Braces for teeth are used to correct malocclusions and improve the health of teeth. They reduce the crookedness of teeth, which can lead to gum disease or tooth loss.

Brackets, which are bonded to the front of each tooth, may be made from clear or metal materials. A wire is then attached, which helps to apply pressure to the teeth and guide them into alignment.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Using braces, your teeth are gently moved into their correct positions. This ensures that your teeth fit together properly, reducing the risks of a number of oral health problems.

Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces that are hard to clean, fostering the growth of bacteria and plaque. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Braces correct these issues, making it easier to maintain proper brushing and flossing practices.

Straighter teeth also make it easier to chew foods thoroughly. This allows your digestive system to break down food more effectively, resulting in a healthier body. Additionally, chewing correctly can help prevent gastrointestinal issues such as gas and bloating. Achieving a well-aligned bite can also alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Better Bite Function

Misaligned teeth create hidden nooks and crannies where brush bristles cannot reach, increasing the risk of plaque build-up and cavities. Straightening your smile helps to correct this issue, so you can maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout life.

Crooked and crowded teeth may also interfere with chewing, making it difficult to digest food. This can lead to indigestion, bloating, gas, and bad breath. Correcting your bite makes it easier to chew, promoting proper digestion and eliminating these problems.

The arch wires and elastic ties used in braces apply small but steady pressure to the teeth, guiding them into their desired positions. This helps to alleviate improper bites that can cause bone erosion in the jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and other dental issues.

Clearer Speech

Having straight teeth and a balanced bite can improve your speech clarity. Misaligned teeth can create lisps and other pronunciation issues that make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds.

Crowded teeth can also contribute to slurred speech because there isn’t enough room in the mouth for proper tongue movement. Correcting these dental issues with braces can help reduce slurred speech and make it easier to pronounce sounds.

While it is common to experience some slurred speech while wearing braces, the condition will return to normal as the mouth and tongue adjust to the new hardware. If you have trouble speaking clearly, try chewing gum or drinking more water to keep the mouth moist and lubricated while the tissues adapt to the orthodontic equipment. You can also use orthodontic wax to reduce the discomfort of brackets and wires against your cheeks and tongue.

Better Nutrition

Misaligned teeth create spaces and crevices that are hard to clean, increasing the risk of plaque build-up & cavities. Food particles can also get trapped in these areas, causing bad breath. Braces correct these issues by ensuring that your teeth are correctly aligned.

Choosing the right foods can also help you maintain good oral health while wearing braces. Stick to softer foods, like oatmeal or scrambled eggs, that are easy to chew & provide the protein your body craves. Avoid crunchy or sticky foods, as these can become stuck in braces & cause discomfort. Also, be wary of foods that are too hot or too cold, as these can heighten tooth sensitivity.

Increased Confidence

Boosting self-confidence is an important benefit of orthodontic treatment. Research shows that children who love their smile have a greater sense of confidence and can handle life’s challenges more effectively than kids with less confident, unattractive smiles.

Braces work by applying gradual pressure to the teeth and jaws, guiding them into alignment. They use brackets (small squares) that are bonded to the front of each tooth, along with an arch wire that runs between and around them, and elastic bands or ligatures that hold the arch wire to the brackets.

Modern orthodontics offer discreet and effective options for adults, including ceramic (tooth-colored) braces, lingual braces that are placed on the back side of the teeth, and clear aligners like Invisalign. Your orthodontist can help you determine which type of braces is best for you.