This article discusses the health benefits of getting braces at any age. These benefits range from preventative healthcare to improving that beautiful smile.
Braces aren’t just limited to everyday people like you and I; many celebrities and athletes have gotten braces at different ages. These famous celebrities and athletes include Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Alcides Escobar just to name a few. People often associate braces with having a great smile, but in actuality, braces serve a grander purpose that can make a person look young and confident, while preventing potentially serious health problems from developing in the future. And, according to the orthodontist in Colorado Springs, the amount of money a person spends on braces now is frequently far less than the amount he or she spends on such dental treatment.
What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Braces?
Orthodontic braces consist of brackets (which are mounted onto the front surface of every tooth) and wires that are strung through these brackets. Every few weeks, the orthodontist will increase the tension on these wires, which applies a force to the teeth, gradually forcing them to adopt a new, more favorable position in the mouth. Orthodontic braces are designed to realign teeth with the aim of:
- Correcting bad bites
- Decreasing unnatural wear on the biting surfaces of badly aligned teeth
- Eliminating headaches associated with bad bites
- Preventing over-crowding
- Making it easier for patients to keep their teeth clean.
Orthopedic treatment generally takes between one and three years depending on the specific case presented by the patient. Candidates considered for braces range in age from young teenagers who have their complete set of adult teeth to people in their 50’s and even 60’s. One in five individuals who have braces are over the age of 21.
In addition to the functional benefits of braces, there are the aesthetic benefits. Once treatment is complete, a patient will have a beautifully aligned smile with teeth that are straight and even. With a vastly improved smile and much healthier bite alignment, patients generally experience improved self-esteem and greater social confidence!
The Problems with Crooked/Overcrowded Teeth
Over-crowded and/or crooked teeth are not just unsightly and contribute to poor smile aesthetics, they cause all sorts of problems that can become increasingly difficult to deal with over time:
- Difficulties in cleaning and brushing your teeth thoroughly,
- Accelerated wear on the biting surface of the teeth because they are poorly aligned,
- Stress on the gum tissues,
- Improper chewing and unaligned jaw joint,
- Chronic headaches and Temporomandibular Joint disorder caused or exacerbated by a bad bite.
Of course, the inability to clean your teeth properly can lead to a domino effect of problems. An increase in bacterial activity can cause a greater risk of cavities, tooth decay and gum disease, potentially resulting in tooth loss! Having braces placed by qualified and experienced Colorado Springs Cosmetic dentists can avoid all of these problems in the first place.
The Value of a Beautiful Smile
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotonin. These chemicals make us feel good, and in turn can lower blood pressure and boost your overall health. So, the more you smile, the better! And with teeth you can be proud of, there’s no reason to hide your pearly whites anymore. The benefits of getting braces are numerous and can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Speak to your orthodontist in Colorado Springs if you think you could benefit from greater smile confidence.