Benefits of Braces

THE MANY WAYS BRACES HELP YOUR SMILE

If you have crooked teeth, you've likely found ways to minimize showing them to others. You may not even realize how you hold your mouth or strategically place your hand while talking. Still, you may wonder if braces are worth it, especially if you've lived with crooked teeth for a long time. However, straightening your teeth with braces from Dr. Scott Suter, your orthodontist in Colorado Springs, CO is more than just a cosmetic procedure. The extra benefits of braces are discussed here:

Confidence boosting:

It's probably no surprise that upon meeting someone, most of us notice their smile first. What you might not know is what impressions are given by a straight, even smile versus one with gapped, misaligned teeth. Studies have shown that people with straight teeth are far more likely to be perceived as healthy, trustworthy, intelligent and hard-working. Of course, these assumptions are fleeting, but after a braces regimen from your Colorado Springs orthodontist, knowing that others view you in a positive light can be a major boost to your confidence and help you maintain lasting impressions.

Decay fighting:

Teeth that have severe overlaps are difficult to clean. They provide traps for food particles which can become bacterial breeding grounds if the food goes undetected. Flossing, which usually disperses this buildup between teeth, can be nearly impossible if the teeth are crowded together. This can lead to major areas of decay. Dental braces from Dr. Suter in Colorado Springs move the teeth into the proper alignment, making it much easier to brush, floss and rinse.

Straightened Smile:

When you think of the perfect smile that usually brings forth visions of straight white teeth all sitting perfectly in a row from front to back. Orthodontia helps to shift your teeth into that even and straightened position using metal braces, wires and rubber bands. A treatment plan is designed to gently move the teeth into the ideal position to achieve that “perfect” appearance.

Bite Correction:

If you have an overbite or an underbite, your Colorado Springs dentist will usually recommend orthodontics as the best bet for correcting your smile. The way that you bite and the position of your jawline can affect both the shape of your face and the way that you chew your food. So orthodontics can both improve the way your face looks and make eating more enjoyable.

Gap Closure:

Many people who begin orthodontic treatment do so because they have unsightly gaps in their teeth that they want closed. To properly close the gap, a combination of wearing braces to better the position of the teeth and the installation of veneers, crowns or cosmetic bonding may be recommended. 

If you'd like to learn more about how braces can improve your smile, your health and your life, we at Suter Orthodontics in Colorado Springs, CO look forward to hearing from you! Please call 719-550-0222 to set up a consultation for yourself or a family member. A beautiful smile is just a phone call away

BAD HABITS THAT HARM YOUR TEETH

Did you know that you probably do at least one thing during the course of an average day that puts your healthy smile at risk? These are some of the more common offenders:

Coffee, Soda, and Sports Drink Consumption
If you really can’t give them up, try to consume these beverages with restraint. Their high acidity and/or sugar content can erode protective tooth enamel, making your pearly whites more prone to staining and decay. Even natural fruit juices should be consumed in moderation as they tend to be high in sugar and sometimes acidity (e.g. orange juice). Your best bet? Water, of course. It won’t damage your teeth and thanks to fluoridation may even help remineralize and fortify your enamel.

Brushing Immediately After Eating
If you were told to brush after every meal, forget it. Acids in foods and beverages can soften your enamel, and brushing may actually accelerate erosion. Wait at least an hour to brush, which is the time it generally takes for your oral pH to normalize and your tooth enamel to reharden. However, it is advisable after eating to floss and rinse out your mouth with plain water or a mineralized dental wash to help wash away food particles.

Jaw Clenching, Tooth Grinding, Pencil Chewing

These and similar “parafunctional” behaviors — outside the uses for which teeth are designed — can cause undue tooth wear and exert stresses that can cause chips and fractures. They can affect other parts of the oral system, too, potentially resulting in jaw joint pain and muscle spasms, headaches and other head and neck ailments.

It’s hard to cut out all high-sugar/high-acid foods and beverages, so where complete elimination isn’t possible, focus on moderation and try to consume them only during mealtime. Jaw clenching and other parafunctional behaviors are often subconscious and may be harder to control; in such cases an unobtrusive devic like a clear occlusal (bite) guard can alleviate the problem.

http://www.suterorthodontics.com/blog/post/tooth-harming-habits-to-avoid.html