Overview
Nowadays, it’s common for kids over 12 to have braces,[1] sparking the question: Are braces a medical requisite or a means to enhance one’s aesthetic appearance?
It’s pivotal to note that braces address cosmetic and significant health issues. Below, we detail the numerous benefits of braces.
1) Healthier Teeth
A fundamental benefit of using braces is the facilitation of cleaner teeth.
Misaligned teeth create hard-to-reach areas during brushing, fostering a habitat for bacteria, which can initiate dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.[2]
Braces eliminate such crevices by straightening teeth, promoting more effective cleaning and healthier teeth.
2) Reduction in Grinding
Unaligned teeth are prone to grinding against each other, which could lead to enamel wear and, in severe cases, broken or loose teeth.[3]
Braces work to prevent these adverse outcomes by setting the teeth in their correct positions, thereby diminishing the chances of grinding.
3) Gap Closure
Spaces between improperly aligned teeth can trap food particles, forming a breeding ground for bacteria.[4] Braces close these gaps, preventing bacterial growth by ensuring proper teeth spacing.
4) Mitigation of Sleep Problems
Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws have been linked to sleep issues due to mouth closure difficulties, necessitating mouth breathing during sleep.
This condition can elevate the risks of cavities and gum inflammation due to reduced saliva production.[5]
By rectifying the alignment issues, braces foster a conducive environment for nasal breathing during sleep, mitigating the associated problems.
5) Rectifying Speech Issues
Misshapen or overcrowded teeth can sometimes result in speech difficulties by hindering proper pronunciation.[6]
Braces assist in correcting this impediment by moving the teeth to their optimal positions, consequently improving speech.
6) Enhanced Jaw Movement
The jaw’s functionality can be adversely affected by irregular movements stemming from crooked teeth, which might strain the jaw muscles and joints.[7]
Braces can alleviate this by guiding the teeth to their proper positions, fostering a balanced bite, and simplifying actions such as chewing.
7) Boosted Self-Esteem
In addition to the health benefits, braces can foster increased self-confidence by enhancing one’s smile, potentially forming a cornerstone for success in diverse life aspects.[8]
References:
- American Association of Orthodontists. (2019). The prevalence of orthodontic treatment in the United States. Retrieved from the American Association of Orthodontists website: https://www.aaoinfo.org/
- Harpenau, L. A., Noble, W. H., & Kao, R. T. (2011). Diagnosis and management of dental wear. Journal of the California Dental Association, 39(4), 225–231.
- Manfredini, D., Winocur, E., Guarda-Nardini, L., Paesani, D., & Lobbezoo, F. (2013). Epidemiology of bruxism in adults: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of orofacial pain, 27(2), 99–110. https://doi.org/10.11607/jop.921
- Marchesan, J. T., Morelli, T., Moss, K., Preisser, J. S., Zandona, A. F., Offenbacher, S., & Beck, J. (2018). Interdental Cleaning Is Associated with Decreased Oral Disease Prevalence. Journal of dental research, 97(7), 773–778. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034518759915
- Tamkin J. (2020). Impact of airway dysfunction on dental health. Bioinformation, 16(1), 26–29. https://doi.org/10.6026/97320630016026
- Laine M. A. (2002). Effect of pregnancy on periodontal and dental health. Acta odontologica Scandinavica, 60(5), 257–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016350260248210
- Luther F. (1998). Orthodontics and the temporomandibular joint: Where are we now? Part 1. Orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders. The Angle orthodontist, 68(4), 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1043/0003-3219(1998)068<0295:OATTJW>2.3.CO;2
- Pachêco-Pereira, C., Pereira, J. R., Dick, B. D., Perez, A., & Flores-Mir, C. (2015). Factors associated with patient and parent satisfaction after orthodontic treatment: a systematic review. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 148(4), 652–659. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.04.039
