More than 4 million people in the United States wear braces, and that includes about a million adults. At Freedom Orthodontics, Brendan Smith, DDS, MS, and his team offer a variety of braces options for teens, preteens, and adults in Cedar Park, Texas. If you’ve been wondering if braces might be a good choice for you, we’ve got six reasons to say “yes” to straighter teeth.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If your teeth are crooked or unevenly spaced or if you have an overbite or an underbite, you know how that affects your smile and self-confidence. Braces are a time-tested method for transforming your smile so you look and feel your absolute best.
Even if your teeth are just a little crooked or out of alignment, you can wind up having big bite problems later on. Your teeth are meant to match up in pairs — top and bottom — when you chew and bite. If they don’t match up, your bite balance will be thrown off.
That might not sound like a big deal, but when your bite isn’t balanced, it can lead to a tooth-grinding problem, jaw pain, frequent headaches, and a chronic condition called temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Plus, an imbalance in your bite pattern can also cause uneven wear and strain on your teeth, increasing your risks for tooth decay, loose teeth, toothaches, and even tooth loss when you get older.
Like it or not, people will form an impression of you based on your physical appearance, and that includes how well you care for your teeth. If you have an alignment or spacing issue, you might be giving the impression that you don’t care about your oral health, and that could make a difference in how you’re perceived professionally. Straightening your teeth helps ensure you look your best in every setting, including the workplace.
Brushing and flossing are two critically important things you can do to prevent decay and keep your teeth and gums healthy. But when your teeth are crooked or unevenly spaced, it’s a lot harder to keep everything clean. Crevices and odd angles form places for plaque and bacteria to collect, increasing your risks for cavities and gum disease.
It’s much easier to effectively clean around and in between straight teeth, and that means you can decrease your risk for future tooth and gum problems. Plus, flossing is simpler when you don’t have to navigate overcrowding — and that means you’ll be more likely to do it.
There was a time when getting braces meant just one option — traditional metal bands and wires. That’s still a good choice for many people, but there are other options too, like clear braces and lingual braces that are much more discreet. Advances in design mean braces work faster too, so your treatment can be finished sooner than you probably think.
Everyone thinks of braces in terms of how much they cost, but what about how much they can save? Yes, braces can actually save you money in the future. How? By improving your oral health now so you can avoid costly dental problems as you age.
Because braces can help decrease your risks of TMD, decay, and tooth loss, you can avoid the costs associated with correcting those problems — costs that can far exceed the price of braces. You’ll also avoid the pain and inconvenience caused by those problems. Plus, even if your insurance plan doesn’t cover the cost of your braces, we offer payment plans and financing options, making orthodontic treatment affordable for pretty much any budget.
Everyone has their own reason for getting braces. No matter what your reason may be, Freedom Orthodontics has a solution. Call our office or use our online form and book your consultation and evaluation today.
