Here at Buttram Orthodontics, we take pride in creating beautifully straight smiles for our patients, and we are often able to accomplish this using orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign. Aesthetics are important, and multiple studies have shown that your smile is the first thing people notice about you, and what they’re most likely to remember about you, as well. However, braces offer a number of other benefits that go beyond the cosmetic. To learn more about what orthodontics has to offer you beyond straight teeth and a bright smile, keep reading below!
How braces work
To understand the benefits of braces, you have to understand a little bit about how they work. Traditional braces are made up of metal or ceramic brackets that are attached to your teeth, then tied together by wires. These components work together to exert gentle pressure in a specific direction that will eventually move the teeth into the desired positions. They also help reshape the jawline by dissolving bone that will then be replaced with new bone growth that is able to support the teeth in these new positions. Braces are incredibly effective and cost-efficient and can treat a number of 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 initial orthodontic consultation with Dr. Buttram, he’ll start by going over any orthodontic concerns you have, and will then examine the condition of your teeth and jaws. This smile assessment will help him determine if braces or Invisalign are right for you.
Benefits of braces that go beyond a beautiful smile
While teeth and jaws that are misaligned can affect your appearance, they can also affect your overall health. You may have increased difficulty eating and speaking, and your oral hygiene routine may seem to become less effective over the years. Far from only straightening teeth, orthodontic treatment can address and correct many of these issues. Some of these lesser-known benefits of braces include:
Improved chewing
You may find that you have a hard time biting and chewing your food properly when your teeth and jaws are out of alignment. If this continues over a prolonged period of time, it can wear your teeth out, and may even lead to the muscles of the jaws weakening. This, in turn, can cause painful chewing, which only exacerbates the problem further.
Improved digestion
Chewing your food is the first step of the digestive process, which begins as soon as your teeth start to grind food. Teeth play a crucial role in this process, and if you aren’t able to chew properly because of misalignment, it can have a detrimental effect on your digestive system. When teeth have trouble breaking food down properly, it will take a longer time for food to pass through the digestive system. You may also find that chewing is painful due to tooth or jaw pain.
Improved speech
There are so many parts of the body whose function can be affected by the teeth. One example of this is how misaligned teeth can affect the placement of the tip of the tongue. Tongue placement is essential in properly forming certain sounds, such as ‘t’, ‘n’, and ‘d.’ Braces can often correct this type of speech issue by aligning the teeth, allowing for the correct tongue placement. If you’ve experienced speech issues related to your teeth, an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Buttram can help! Once he identifies how severe the problem is, he will be able to devise an effective solution based on your specific needs.
Improved oral health
It’s no secret that brushing and flossing thoroughly should be a regular part of everyone’s daily hygiene routine, but it can be difficult to manage when your teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapping. This can create favorable conditions for a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which in turn can cause issues such as:
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- cavities
- gingivitis
Fortunately, these kinds of dental ailments are common, and tend to be very preventable. For instance, orthodontic treatment like braces can move the teeth into more optimal positions, making dental hygiene easier, which will reduce the risk of developing unhealthy teeth and gums.
Customized braces treatment with Buttram Orthodontics can properly align your teeth and jaws, eliminating these kinds of issues and giving you a smile that not only looks good, but feels great, too.
Explore the many benefits of braces with Buttram Orthodontics
At Buttram Orthodontics, straighter teeth is only one of many benefits our treatments offer. We are proud to create smiles that are both beautifully aligned and functioning to their full potential. From the moment you walk in our door, our team will work hard to provide you with a comfortable and relaxed office environment, compassionate care, and exceptional service. We utilize the latest technology and cutting-edge techniques to offer a variety of safe and gentle treatment, and we will work with you every step of the way to create a rewarding orthodontic experience.
Buttram Orthodontics provides top-quality orthodontic treatment for families in Panama City and the surrounding communities. To get a better idea of what we offer, and how we can benefit your smile and oral health, get in touch with us today. We’ve got a bright, healthy, beautiful smile waiting for you!
