Regular Toothbrush Vs. Electric Toothbrush For Braces
June 29, 2018
At Dudley Smiles, we are proud of creating beautiful smiles for patients of all ages, and one way we are able to achieve that is through orthodontic treatment with braces. An attractive, healthy smile can have a positive impact on your life in many ways, from improving your appearance and oral health to making you appear more approachable and trustworthy. While aesthetics are important, braces have a number of lesser-known benefits that go beyond the obvious. If you want to learn more about what braces have to offer you besides a straighter smile, keep reading below!
The basics of braces
To gain a better understanding of the benefits braces have to offer, it helps when you have some knowledge of how they’re put together, and how they work. Traditional braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets, archwires, and tiny elastic bands. The brackets are attached to the surface of your teeth with glue, then the wires and elastics are used to tie them together. All of these components will work together to exert enough gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into the desired positions over time.
Braces can also help to reshape the jawline by dissolving bone that will be replaced over the course of treatment with new bone growth that can better support the teeth in their straightened positions. They have a well-established record of success in correcting many common dental issues, including:
- difficulties with chewing or biting
- misaligned teeth or jaws
- excessive wear and tear of teeth
- teeth with excessive spacing
- overlapping or crowded teeth
When you schedule your free initial consultation with Dr. Dudley, he will listen to any concerns you have about your oral health, then perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. This, along with photos and x-rays of your face and teeth, will help him determine if orthodontic treatment is indicated, and if braces could be the right fit for you and your smile.
The many benefits of braces beyond straight teeth
When your teeth and jaws are misaligned, it can have an impact on everything from your overall appearance and oral health to everyday activities we often take for granted, like eating and speaking. You may find that your oral hygiene routine suffers, becoming more difficult to maintain over time, or becoming less effective than it once was. Braces are able to address and correct many of these lesser-known issues, such as:
Chewing
Teeth or jaws that are out of alignment can cause difficulties with biting and chewing your food properly. When this is left untreated over time, it can lead to excessive wear and tear on your teeth, and may also lead to a weakening of the jaw. Both of these can contribute to painful chewing, which will exacerbate any issues you’re already having.
Digestion
You may not think of teeth and digestion going together, but chewing your food is actually the first, and most important, part of the digestive process. Misaligned teeth can prevent you from chewing properly, which can have a detrimental effect on the digestive system. Food will pass through your digestive tract much more slowly and less effectively.
Speech
It can be surprising to learn about the numerous ways misalignment can affect your entire body. For instance, misaligned teeth can influence the placement of the tip of the tongue. This placement is essential for you to be able to properly form certain sounds, like ‘t’, ‘n’, and ‘d.’ An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Dudley can identify any speech issues you may have that are related to misalignment. Braces are often able to correct these by aligning the teeth, making way for proper placement of the tongue.
Oral health
It can be a challenge to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy if your teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapping. Brushing and flossing regularly and effectively can be tricky, and when you are unable to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, it creates favorable conditions for a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This can increase your risk for issues like cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. While these ailments are common, they can also be prevented to some extent. Braces move your teeth into more optimal positions, making it much easier to keep your teeth and gums free of the bacteria, plaque, and debris that can cause problems.
Jaw alignment
Misaligned teeth and jaw issues often go hand-in-hand. This is because teeth that are not aligned can affect your jaw muscles and joints as well. While your joints will eventually adapt to bad positioning, they will often compensate for it in a way that can cause damage. Some of the symptoms you may find yourself experiencing if your jaw is out of alignment are headaches, jaws that pop or creak, pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders, and even sleep disorders.
Customized braces treatment with Dudley Smiles can minimize or eliminate these kinds of issues by properly aligning your teeth and jaws. This will help give you a smile that both looks and feels great!
Braces are just the beginning at Dudley Smiles
Here at Dudley Smiles, our goal is to give you a smile that is not only beautifully aligned, but functioning to its fullest potential as well. We know that a healthy, attractive smile can make a world of difference, and we want you to feel good about your smile from the inside out! Our talented team is dedicated to providing a rewarding orthodontic experience with us, from your first appointment to your last – and beyond. We provide the highest quality orthodontic care for families in Issaquah, Kent, and the surrounding communities, and we’ve created a fun, friendly office environment where we hope you’ll feel welcome, relaxed, and comfortable. If you want to learn more about how orthodontic treatment with braces can benefit you beyond a straighter smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation. There’s never been a better time to give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile and improved oral health!