When you go to the dentist, you’re looking for information about the proper health care for your teeth. But when you go to an orthodontist, you’re concerned about the appearance and shape of your teeth in your mouth. Many people don’t know the difference and think that orthodontists are only there to treat customers for expensive cosmetic reasons. Nothing could be further from the truth. Braces can change your life. Everyone wants a bright, healthy smile, but what does that really mean?
The second most common reason for braces, besides aesthetics, relates to bite issues. This is commonly called a malocclusion and can result in either an overbite or underbite. This happens when the jaw and teeth are misaligned from where they should be and don’t meet up in the proper fashion. It is one of the many health issues that can result from improperly aligned teeth.
Here, we’ll go over how traditional metal braces are still an extremely effective treatment for misaligned teeth. They not only help to straighten your teeth but can also help prevent problems that a dentist won’t have to fix later. Let’s find out exactly how adult braces can help you live your best life and flash your prettiest smile. Here are our top 5 ways braces can change your life.
1. They’ll Fix Your Jaw Alignment
As mentioned previously, sometimes people are born with (or develop) what is called a malocclusion, resulting in an overbite or underbite. Besides being painful and inhibiting the proper chewing of food, it can also result in teeth grinding or unnecessary tension in the jaw which can cause headaches or other issues. By allowing an orthodontist to use braces to straighten the teeth, they can fix a malocclusion and keep you happy, healthy, and aligned for years to come.
2. Stop Gingivitis in Its Tracks
Straight teeth don’t just look beautiful, but they’re easier to clean as well. By utilizing braces to straighten your teeth and eliminate crevices or crooked teeth, you’ll give stray particles of food fewer places to hide and fester. In turn, this will allow fewer bacteria to grow and harm your teeth or gums. So instead of having to go to the dentist to have a cavity drilled or tooth removed, you’ll simply prevent periodontal disease in the first place. This can save you immense amounts of time in frustration or pain, not to mention hundreds or thousands of dollars in oral care costs.
3. No Mess, No Fuss
Once you have your braces installed on your teeth, you are in it for the long haul. With traditional metal braces, there is nothing to remove or forget. Your braces are on your teeth until your orthodontist takes them off for the final time at the end of treatment. This is much less stressful than aligners for many people, who may tend to be forgetful or obsessive about their oral care. It is the ultimate “set it and forget it” approach to straight teeth that there is. Your orthodontist will be there with you every step of the way to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
4. How Can Braces (Affordably) Change Your Life?
Despite what you may have heard, traditional metal braces are more affordable than ever. Many times, dental insurance even pays for them or covers the cost so substantially that you may pay very little out of pocket. If you pay visit by visit or over time, they may be no more expensive than an average trip to the dentist. Inquire with your orthodontist or insurance provider to find out what avenues are available for you to take.
5. Metal Braces are the Complete Package
At the end of the day, traditional metal braces really are the complete package when it comes to orthodontics. They have been around practically forever and are proven to work at a low price point. They require no fancy materials, no schedule to adhere to, and are made with low-cost materials that essentially any orthodontist can install. Besides preventing oral health fiascos such as malocclusion from developing, they are also effective at stopping periodontal disease in its tracks by making teeth easier to clean and treat. It would seem that traditional metal braces are the complete package to a great smile after all.