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What Are the Benefits of Braces Besides Straight Teeth

Home » Blog » What Are the Benefits of Braces Besides Straight Teeth

Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that braces from Craig & Streight Orthodontics can help deliver one! But did you know there are even greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth? Apart from the aesthetic benefits of braces, there are also a number of health benefits that braces patients will experience. In many cases, patients with orthodontic issues may not be aware of the dangers associated with improper or misaligned teeth. It is true that orthodontic braces can give you a beautiful smile. Our team of experts here at Craig & Streight Orthodontics want you to understand the other positives that can come out of having braces, and how they can improve your oral health. Read on!

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Your teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between when they are crooked or crowded. This can make it very difficult to brush and floss effectively, which allows bacteria and plaque to build up, and will eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and spaced, and allow for more effective brushing. The increased risk of oral disease such as periodontitis and gum disease is one of the primary concerns of orthodontic issues. Patients with severely crooked or misaligned teeth naturally have crevices that are not experienced by individuals with straight teeth. These crevices essentially act as hiding places for food buildup and bacteria. These crevices make it more difficult for patients to achieve the required level of dental hygiene needed to prevent health issues from developing. If patients fail to maintain proper oral hygiene, the food buildup and bacteria can easily develop into plaque, tartar, cavities, and eventually disease. Correcting the teeth with the use of braces can eliminate these hard-to-reach areas, thus decreasing the overall risk for oral disease. When braces correct the spacing between teeth, and get rid of the tight spaces, patients are able to brush and floss more effectively and not miss essential areas of the mouth.

Ceramic braces on front teeth

Apart from just oral health, having straight teeth can also improve an individual’s overall health. When a patient’s jaws do not align properly, a misaligned bite occurs. As a result, the patient may experience bite issues that can cause unusual and hazardous stress to be placed on certain teeth and areas of the mouth. During eating and other everyday activities, this uneven distribution of pressure can cause strain on the jaws, muscles, and ligaments. Unusual stress on certain teeth may eventually cause them to weaken and become susceptible to chipping and breaking. This can lead to infection and the need for tooth extraction. Correcting the bite through the use of braces can help to prevent and reduce the risk of these issues, thus contributing to the overall health of the patient. Some patients experience issues such as protruding front teeth. This can be potentially hazardous, especially for individuals who are involved in activities such as sports that increase the risk of blunt force to the mouth. These patients experience a greater risk of chipping and breaking due to the positioning of the teeth. In order to avoid the risks associated with protruding front teeth, they definitely need to consider orthodontic treatment through braces.

Difficulties with Speech

Your teeth play an essential role in speech. When they are out of line or lean too far forward or backward, this affects your speaking patterns, which can cause embarrassment and frustration. Braces can adjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more professional speech. They can shift problem teeth that may be causing embarrassing speech impediments. When an overbite or underbite gets adjusted, patients can pronounce certain words more distinctly.
Spaces between teeth may also cause whistling, which braces can fix by closing off the gaps. Word slurring can also be improved with the help of braces by realignment of the jaw or teeth, which opens room for your tongue to move with greater ease.

Bone Erosion

When there are no teeth to support, bone and gum tissues will begin to erode. This is also true for poorly aligned teeth that leave gaps and spaces, or place too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite. The bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth in their new alignment with braces, and braces also help in supporting the bones and tissues in your mouth. Braces move periodontal ligaments by stretching the connective tissues and nerves. Braces help prevent erosion of the gums, and will alleviate pressure from the jawbone by fixing a bad bite over time. The bones naturally rebuild once they are settled in their new spot.

Young Girls Smiling

Digestion

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been partially digested by the teeth. If teeth are severely out of line, however, they may not play their role in breaking down food as effectively as they should before it enters your stomach. Teeth aid with digestion when you can thoroughly chew your food. If your teeth are badly placed, braces can straighten them for optimal alignment for eating and chewing. Once you can chew properly with the help of braces, your food will be more easily and fully digested.

The staff of Craig & Streight Orthodontics will be happy to answer any of your questions about your orthodontic treatment or braces and how they can help you. You can visit us at one of our offices in Norman, Mustang, or Oklahoma City, or give us a call today and set up a consultation appointment. Braces can help with many oral health problems, and may save you a lot of money and time in the future. If you are not sure whether braces would be worth your time or money, consider the benefits above, and how they add to the value of this treatment. You will be getting more than just a beautiful smile!

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicole C.
We had such a great initial visit at C&S! My kids can’t wait to go back!!
Response from the owner:Hi Nicole. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a great first visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Melanie M.
Staff is always so kind, informative and they answer all the questions you may have. Both doctors are amazing and do not rush you out. They explain everything and take their time with each patient. They are a 10/10
Response from the owner:Hi Melanie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff and doctors made such a positive impact during your visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Teri J.
Great place! Everyone is friendly. Great experience for all 3 of my kids. They did awesome with my autistic son.
Response from the owner:Hi Teri. We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had such a positive experience with our team. Creating a welcoming environment for all families is our priority, and it’s heartening to know that your son felt supported. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you all again!
Jaidyn S.
Had a great experience! They were quick and helped me decide the best option for me!
Response from the owner:Hi Jaidyn. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you efficiently and help you find the best option. :)
Jessie W.
Easy to work with and very flexible with scheduling! Orthodontists and staff are very kind and thorough as well!
Response from the owner:Hey Jessie. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your experience smooth and accommodating. Your kind words about our staff and their thoroughness mean a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care!
Amanda H.
We had the best experience. They were all so kind and patient with my girl!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
Blair B
I'm a fairly new patient but the office staff provides a very warming, thoughtful environment and I love the app and feedback I receive with my Invisalign process. I've been quite impressed with the clinic and Dr thus far and can't wait to receive my final results... a beautiful smile!!!<3
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Sharkbait M.
I had a fantastic experience at this clean and modern orthodontist office! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the bright, welcoming atmosphere and the state-of-the-art equipment. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. The orthodontist took the time to explain my treatment options clearly and answered all my questions with patience and care. I truly appreciate the attention to detail and the commitment to maintaining a spotless environment. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for top-quality orthodontic care in a contemporary, inviting setting!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience in our office. Creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing attentive care are top priorities for us, and it’s great to know that our team made your visits comfortable and informative. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent orthodontic care!
Christian R.
We can’t say enough great things about this place. Dr. Streight has helped a few of my family members and he actually cares.
Response from the owner:Hi Christian. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! It’s wonderful to hear that Dr. Streight has made such a meaningful impact on your family. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!
Shannon T.
Everyone we have encountered over our 2 year adventure with Craig and Streight has been so amazing! I never left wondering about anything. My son had expanders and then braces. Dr. Kiel at the South OKC location has been wonderful. She is thorough, patient and so sweet with my little guy. I appreciate her and all the staff members for all their help throughout his treatment!
Response from the owner:Hi Shannon. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that you and your son have had such a positive journey with our team. We’re dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate care, and it’s great to know that Dr. Kierl and the staff have made a lasting impression. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to strive for excellence in patient care.
Anne L.
Staff is great. 😊 Virtual scans can be a pain but it is certainly better than going in for an office visit every week.
Response from the owner:We feel you! The scans hopefully will keep getting better and better but it’s definitely a nice step in the right direction!!!
Whitney M.
They didn’t rush to put braces on my son. They were up front about everything. The staff is always very friendly and easy to contact in case of an emergency.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive feedback. We are honored to serve each and every one of our patients!
Michael L.
Very comfortable environment and staff explains everything to both the patient and the parent. Can’t say enough good things about them.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you found our environment comfortable and that our staff took the time to explain everything clearly. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we’re here to support you whenever you need.
Jenifer G.
It was absolutely wonderful. Dr. Craig went above and beyond to make sure nothing was painful and they turned out wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive visit and that our team made your care comfortable and effective. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional service. We look forward to seeing you again!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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