Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment that can improve the look of your smile. It also comes with a number of other important benefits beyond just aesthetics. Below you will find 6 long-term health benefits of braces.

6 Long-Term Health Benefits of Braces

Braces are a great way to improve the look of your smile. However, there are a number of additional benefits that ensure the investment into your smile.

Reduces Risk of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. The condition often comes with unwanted symptoms, such as bleeding, gum recession, and loose teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other oral and overall health issues. 

Crooked and misaligned teeth can make it more difficult to effectively clean your teeth. This leaves room for harmful bacteria to get stuck. Leftover bacteria can cause plaque buildup and gum inflammation. This can increase your risk of gum disease. Braces in Yucaipa are effective in aligning your teeth and closing any gaps. This can reduce your risk for harmful dental issues like gum disease. 

Reduces Risk of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common oral health issue. It is caused by the breakdown of your tooth’s enamel caused by harmful bacteria. Crowded and misaligned teeth can harbor harmful bacteria that can be difficult to remove, even with regular brushing and flossing. This leads to plaque buildup and an increased risk of cavities. 

Braces help in correcting misalignment, which makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist in Yucaipa prevent tooth decay in the long term. If you have misaligned teeth, braces can reduce your risk for decay and other harmful oral health issues.

Prevents Bone Erosion

Bone erosion occurs when the bone surrounding your teeth breaks down and loses its density. Misaligned teeth can cause bone erosion due to the excess pressure placed on certain areas of your jawbone. This is a serious issue as it can cause facial changes, tooth loss, TMJ, facial pain, speech issues, and difficulty chewing.

Braces gently and gradually move your teeth into the right position. This reduces the amount of pressure on your jawbone as the pressure is evenly distributed. Because of this, braces are effective in preventing bone erosion caused by misaligned teeth.

Reduced Risk of Damage

Protruding or misaligned teeth are more susceptible to damage. This is common if you have front teeth that are protruding out. They are at a higher risk for trauma as they are not in line with the rest of your teeth. Trauma often occurs from sports or other intense physical activities if a mouth guard is not used.

Braces can align protruding teeth so they are uniform with the rest of your teeth. This can help you avoid chips, cracks, fractures, or complete tooth loss from an accident. Braces are effective in reducing your risk of trauma associated with protruding teeth.

Improved Digestion

Chewing your food is a major part of the overall digestion process. The more thoroughly your food is chewed in your mouth, the easier the digestive process is. Misaligned teeth can impact your bite and make it difficult to properly chew your food. This can lead to digestive issues, such as stomach upset and reduced nutrient absorption. 

Braces can align your teeth and make chewing much easier. This can ensure that your digestive process is not impacted from the start. For those who have digestive issues and difficulty properly breaking down their food, braces are an effective treatment option.

Increased Confidence

Misaligned teeth and gaps can impact the look of your smile. Those with crooked teeth often smile and talk to others less. The embarrassment can impact your personal and professional life if left unaddressed.

Braces can effectively improve the aesthetics of your smile. This can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It can also ensure that you have no fear of smiling or speaking to others. This can lead to a much happier and more fulfilled life.