While new braces may take some time to get used to, many wearers say that the benefits they receive far outweigh any temporary discomfort or inconvenience. Cosmetic dentistry and braces have evolved to become an option for adults, as well as children, to create a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are five of the main benefits that wearing braces can bring:

1. Reduced Stress and Wear on Teeth

Crooked teeth and an irregular bite can mean uneven impact and wear on teeth over time, as some of the teeth wear faster than others. In extreme cases, the teeth might have to be replaced or at least repaired. Braces can help correct issues related to crooked teeth and dramatically reduce the risk of more major dental issues in the future.  

2. Better Chewing/Eating Experience

People with teeth that are out of alignment can have a more difficult time chewing, eating and truly savoring their meals. In extreme cases, these disruptions can even lead to nutritional and digestive problems. Once the bite and alignment of the teeth has been corrected with braces, the overall chewing and eating experience improves. This can lead to better nutrition, digestion and overall health.

3. Fewer Dental Problems

Better general dental health is one of the top benefits braces can bring. Crooked or non-aligned teeth can cause discomfort and a buildup of food buildup between them; bacteria, tartar and plaque can then accumulate, leading to cavities, gum disease and other serious issues. Straightened teeth and an aligned bite offer better conditions for good dental hygiene, and wearing braces on the teeth is an effective way to achieve this.

4. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem

An imperfect smile with gaps and crooked teeth can lead people to smile less, hide their teeth, mumble when they talk, and suffer from generally lower self-confidence. Braces can correct tooth and bite alignment issues, straightening the teeth and increasing "smile confidence" and self-esteem.

5. A Higher-Quality Social Life

Better self-esteem and higher confidence often naturally leads to a better social experience. Someone who feels good about their smile will naturally smile more freely, talk more expressively, and feel more self-assured in social scenarios. Wearing braces can correct crooked teeth and the self-image issues they cause, paving the way for a better social life personally as well as professionally.

The benefits of braces range from physical to personal, improving how the wearer experiences life in a number of key areas. While wearing braces requires an adjustment period, the benefits can bring a much higher quality of life.  For more information, contact your orthodontist (such as Young Chung DDS).