Did you know that around 4 million people in the United States have braces at any given time? Of all the different methods to straighten teeth, braces are one of the most common.
Deciding to get braces is hard because braces are expensive, they aren’t the most stylish, and they can be painful. While braces can be a pain, they can have a major impact on your life if you have crooked teeth.
Are you wondering, “Should I get braces?” If so, keep reading to learn why you should invest in your health and get braces.
Common Signs You Need Braces
What are some common signs that you need braces or Invisalign? One of the most common signs is having crooked teeth.
If you have crooked teeth, you may experience issues with self-confidence, eating, speaking, and brushing your teeth. You also may have a hard time flossing, bite your tongue often, or notice your jaw popping when you talk.
All these signs are uncomfortable, and some of them can lead to long-term damage if not fixed. Having crooked teeth makes you more likely to have tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and TMJ disorder.
Benefits of Getting Braces
There are plenty of downsides to getting braces, such as price, discomfort, and inconvenience, but the benefits outweigh the cons. Getting braces can have a positive impact on your life.
Here are some of the benefits of getting braces:
Increase Confidence
Around say that someone’s teeth are the first thing they notice when meeting them. Having straight teeth is important to make a good first impression.
Many people perceive those with straight teeth to be smart, successful, and have a good personality. If you have crooked teeth, you may be insecure about other people seeing your teeth.
This can lead to having less self-confidence over time. If you get braces, you will have a beautiful smile once the process is over. This can allow you to feel more confident, happy, and less stressed.
Prevent Tooth Injury
When you have crooked teeth, you are more likely to injure a tooth. If you play sports, do outdoor activities, or have stairs in your house, all it takes is one fall to break or knock out your tooth.
By getting braces, you can reduce your risk of injuring a tooth. When your teeth are straight, they don’t stick out at angles that allow them to break as easily.
Improve Digestion
Another benefit of investing in traditional or clear braces is that they can improve your digestion. When you have crooked teeth, it is difficult to chew your food into small pieces.
When you have straight teeth, chewing food is easy. Chewing your food into small pieces makes it easier to digest. Over time, this can improve your digestive health.
In addition to making chewing easier, it also will be less painful. With straight teeth, you are less likely to bite your tongue or other parts of your mouth.
Help With Bad Breath
If you have bad breath, getting braces can help. Crooked teeth make cleaning your teeth difficult because of gaps or tight spots. In some cases, it may be impossible to clean certain parts of your mouth.
Bad breath happens when there are bacteria in your mouth. If you can’t clean your teeth, you will have more plaque and bacteria.
Having straight teeth can help prevent bad breath because your teeth are easier to clean. With straight teeth, you can clean all areas of your mouth with ease.
Better Oral Health
Because it is easier to clean your teeth when they are straight, having braces can improve your oral health. When you can keep your teeth clean, you reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss.
If you have a difficult time with your oral health, talk to your dentist during your next cleaning. They may suggest you get braces to make cleaning your teeth easier.
Improve Pronnouciation
Did you know that having crooked teeth can impact your word pronunciation? Because crooked teeth get in the way, you may have a hard time saying certain words or sounds.
This can have a big impact on your confidence when speaking. If you choose to get braces, pronouncing words may be easier. This can improve your speech, which means you will be more confident when speaking in public.
Consider Alternatives
Before getting braces, you should consider your options for teeth straightening. While traditional braces are an effective way to straighten teeth, there are other options.
Traditional metal braces can be expensive, take several years to straighten your teeth, and aren’t the most fashionable option. While most teens get metal braces, they may not be the best option for adults.
If you don’t like the idea of having metal brackets on your teeth, you should consider getting invisible braces. These braces can straighten your teeth, but no one will know you are wearing them.
Before choosing the right braces for you, talk to your orthodontist. While clear braces work for most adults, other people will need metal braces.
Should I Get Braces? The Answer Is Maybe
Getting braces is a great way to improve your oral health, increase your confidence, and prevent bad breath. If you are thinking about getting braces, consider the difference between braces and other alternatives before deciding.
Should I get braces? The answer to that question will depend on your preferences. If you want to learn more about adult braces, check out the health and fitness category for more information.