The Benefits of Braces

It’s no secret that a majority of those interested in orthodontic treatment are striving for a straighter smile that will give them a better appearance. While Dr. Hook and the team at Hook Orthodontics always deliver beautifully straight smiles to all of our patients, we want to inform those who are looking into orthodontic treatment that there are greater advantages to wearing braces. 

One of the biggest and most noticeable advantages of orthodontics, beyond a transformed smile, is the overall improvement in self-confidence that comes from looking one’s best. This is the most anticipated reward that the entire Hook Orthodontics team looks forward to when a patient completes their orthodontic treatment. But the benefits of braces go well beyond pure aesthetics. Braces ensure correct bite and tooth alignment which has many positive side-effects.

 

Easier Brushing and Flossing - Your teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between when they are crooked or crowded. This can make it very difficult to brush and floss effectively, which allows bacteria and plaque to build up, and will eventually lead to cavities and tooth decay. Braces can straighten misaligned teeth. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, brush, and floss. When braces correct the spacing between teeth, eliminating the tight spaces, patients are able to brush and floss more effectively, allowing them to maintain excellent oral hygiene and prevent future periodontal disease and cavities.

Reduced Risk of Gum Disease - Patients with severely crooked or misaligned teeth naturally have crevices that are not experienced by individuals with straight teeth. These crevices essentially act as hiding places for food buildup and bacteria. These crevices make it more difficult for patients to achieve the required level of dental hygiene needed to prevent health issues from developing. If patients fail to maintain proper oral hygiene, the food buildup and bacteria can easily develop into plaque, tartar, cavities, and eventually disease. Correcting the teeth with the use of braces can eliminate these hard-to-reach areas, thus decreasing the overall risk for gum disease.

Alleviation of Speech Impairment - Your teeth play an essential role in your speech. If you have teeth that are misaligned, you may have speech problems or make whistling sounds when saying certain words. Braces can adjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more professional speech. They can also shift problem teeth that may be causing speech impediments. Word slurring can also be improved with the help of braces by realigning the jaw, which provides room for your tongue to move more freely.

Reduced Risk of Bone Erosion - Misaligned teeth can result in jawbone erosion or bone loss. This happens when bacteria start eating away at the bones. Bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth if they are aligned properly. Braces align the teeth helping to prevent erosion of the gums and alleviating pressure from the jawbone.

Better Digestion - Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been partially digested by the teeth. If your teeth are misaligned, it can be difficult to chew food into smaller bits. As a result, the stomach takes a bit longer to digest food. Braces can straighten your teeth for optimal alignment, helping you thoroughly chew your food. Once food can be chewed properly with the help of braces, it can be more easily and fully digested.

Reduced Risk of Injury from Protruding Teeth - Protruding upper teeth are vulnerable to cracking or breakage during sports related accidents. Braces specialize in straightening teeth, and will help to prevent additional injury.

Better Breath - If you suffer from misaligned teeth you may also suffer from bad breath. When your teeth are crowded or crooked, adequately cleaning them becomes difficult. There are more areas where that toothbrush just doesn’t fit. Bacteria finds its way into every nook and cranny and begins building up between teeth causing bad breath. Straight teeth eliminates those nooks and crannies making it are much easier to brush away the bacteria that causes bad breath.

There are a variety of different kinds of braces that offer excellent teeth straightening solutions for the variety of uniquely different smiles we see every day at Hook Orthodontics. From clear braces to traditional metal braces, there are so many benefits that come with achieving straight, perfect teeth. Braces fix problems with the alignment of the upper and lower jaws and with the spacing of teeth. Braces can establish the foundation for a lifetime of improved oral health while helping you and your children look your best.

Starting orthodontic treatment will lead to numerous benefits in the future. Dr. Hook and the Hook Orthodontics team are happy to explain more to you if you have further questions about the benefits of braces. Contact our Kailua, Honolulu, or Mililani office to schedule your complimentary consultation today.