One of the main benefits of braces is that it helps straighten your teeth and correct your bite alignment. This reduces problems caused by misaligned bites including jaw pain and discomfort.

Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where food debris and bacterial plaque build up. This can lead to gum disease and other dental issues.

1. Better Oral Hygiene

In addition to helping straighten crooked teeth and improve the alignment of a patient’s bite, braces also make it easier for patients to maintain good oral hygiene. Crooked teeth and crowded teeth can be hard to clean, leading to inflamed gums and other dental issues. When these problems are corrected by orthodontic treatment, they reduce the risk of them reoccurring.

Practicing good oral hygiene is important at any age, but it becomes even more crucial when wearing braces. The extra surfaces and tight spaces created by wires and brackets can trap food particles and lead to plaque buildup, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

Brushing regularly is the best way to remove trapped debris and prevent cavities and other dental issues while in braces. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure to get around each bracket and wire carefully. An interdental brush can help as well, removing debris that a regular toothbrush may miss.

2. Less Risk of Gum Disease

Many people have crooked or crowded teeth that are harder to clean properly. This can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Straightening the teeth with braces makes it easier to keep the mouth clean, reducing your risk of gum disease in the long run.

However, the brackets and wires of braces create nooks and crannies where food can hide. This leads to bacteria that eat away at the enamel and then harden into plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, you might develop gingivitis. Gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis.

Gingivitis can also be caused by hormonal changes such as puberty, menstrual periods or pregnancy. Your dentist may recommend medicated mouthwash to remove the bacteria and help prevent a flare up of gingivitis.

3. Less Risk of Tooth Decay

Many people don’t realize that cavities and tooth decay can be prevented with regular oral hygiene. This is especially important for children and teens who have braces.

Braces are typically made of stainless steel, although ceramic (clear) braces are also available. Brackets are bonded to the surface of each tooth and hold arch wires, which apply force to the teeth and help guide them into the proper positions.

Food can easily get trapped under brackets or between teeth, which increases the risk of plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that causes tooth decay if not removed regularly. This is why it is even more important to brush and floss regularly during orthodontic treatment. It is also a good idea to visit your family dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning before you start wearing braces.

4. Less Risk of Jaw Pain

Aside from straightening teeth, braces also improve the function of your jaw by addressing malocclusions (bad bites). This can reduce TMJ pain or discomfort caused by misaligned upper and lower jaws. The pain-relieving benefits of braces are especially helpful for those who grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism.

TMJ problems can make it difficult to clean your teeth properly, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Wearing braces can help prevent these issues in the future and give you a healthy smile for life.

5. Better Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is a vital aspect of confidence and well-being. However, crooked teeth or an improper bite can cause self-consciousness and a loss of confidence. Braces can correct these issues and improve a smile, boosting self-esteem in the process.

While it’s normal for children to experience dips in their self-esteem throughout the process of wearing braces, these challenges can also teach them resilience and reinforce the value of perseverance. By committing to their orthodontic treatment and learning to cope with these changes, they can develop a strong sense of accomplishment that they carry into adulthood.

If you’re unsure about the effect of braces on your self-esteem, it’s best to discuss these concerns with your orthodontist. They can help you choose the most discreet type of braces that will still be effective in correcting your smile and improving your oral health.