The Benefits of Braces

Some patients find themselves hesitant about going to the dentist to fix their crooked smile. However, by not going to the dentist, they risk the potential for more serious issues down the road. When you skip getting braces, you run the risk that your misaligned teeth will cause problems with chewing and digestion. Then there's the issue of crowded teeth.

"When you have a crowded mouth, it allows for other oral health issues to become prominent," says Dr. Alexandra George, DDS. "One of these issues could be impacted teeth, which could lead to issues flossing your teeth, leading to gum disease."

There is also the potential for overbite or underbite. People with these conditions risk chipping and other damage to their teeth whenever they chew. It could also impact your speech, especially if the patient is young and still developing orally. Although, adults can also suffer from speech issues if their teeth aren't straightened.

Avoid 'Self-Help Kits' or 'Do-It-Yourself' Tricks

Trying to fix a crooked mouth with a DIY kit could lead to self-harm and other issues. Non-professionals should not attempt to straighten their teeth on their own.

"If you try to straighten your teeth with a DIY kit, you are opening the door to a number of risks," George says. "You could harm your gum line, damage a tooth or worse. I wouldn't recommend any alternative way of aligning your teeth, unless it is through a professional who has received expert training, like me."

By leaving it up to a professional, the client can ensure that their mouth is receiving high-quality oral care. If a patient is still wondering about the specifics on why these kits are not safe, he or she should schedule a consultation with a dentist, George says.

The Oral Benefits of Braces

Of course, one of the greatest benefits of getting your teeth straightened with braces is a better appearance. The mouth is an important asset to a person's appearance, and having straight teeth contributes to that benefit directly. By straightening teeth, patients may see their face looking "thinner" since teeth aren't as spread out, or they may experience a decrease in inflammation in the mouth.

Granted, one of the biggest benefits of having straight teeth is increased ease in flossing and brushing your teeth, George says. That one crooked tooth could not be receiving the proper brushing it needs since the bristles cannot reach in between those teeth. By being able to administer the best oral care each morning, one almost guarantees that their teeth will remain healthier longer, she says.