When most kids, teens, and adults get braces, they usually hear, “Oh, it’ll be so nice to have straight teeth!” Of course, straight teeth are the most noticeable result from wearing braces or aligners. However, there are other benefits, too, and they’re just as important.

Braces Improve Your Overall Health

Braces can improve your:

  • Dental Health. When your teeth are crowded or you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, it can be difficult to keep your teeth and gums as clean as they should be. Once teeth start overlapping, they can hide the parts of your other teeth, which means that the plaque that forms on your teeth every day will not be brushed away easily. This can lead to the formation of tartar and possible decay, as well as problems with the health of your gums. Once your teeth have been properly adjusted, you’ll be able to brush and floss easily and remove food and plaque before it becomes hard tartar.
  • Speech. We use our mouths, tongue, and teeth to form sounds and words. When your teeth aren’t in the correct position, it can result in speech problems or delays. Getting braces or Invisalign will help to correct these problems so that you can develop natural speech patterns.
  • Chewing. Teeth that are crowded or gapped can make it difficult to chew food. When you don’t chew your food properly, you may have gastrointestinal problems as your stomach and intestines try to digest and gather nutrients from the food you’ve eaten. People who have problems due to poor chewing ability find that these issues go away once their orthodontic treatment is over.
  • Confidence. Straight teeth give you an amazing smile. Whether you’re wearing braces, clear braces, or aligners, your results will be the same at the end of your treatment: straight teeth and a great smile! Many of our patients say that they can’t wait to show off their new look.

Braces do much more than straighten your teeth! If you’d like to learn more about braces, clear braces, or aligners like Invisalign, call King Orthodontics today. We have two convenient locations: one in downtown Pittsburgh and one in the North Hills. We would love to help you get a confident smile, straight teeth, and a healthy mouth.