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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

Ladan M.
We had a great experience. Professional and caring personnel and super amazing Dr. Straight made it an easy choice to work with.
Kelly P.
Just started my fourth kid in treatment today. No where else we would go…from the front desk gals, fresh coffee for this tired momma, the hygienist, the dentists…it’s always been a great experience. Wonderful staff making amazing smiles!!!
Artoya
Staff and the doctor were very friendly and they explained everything in detail.
David B.
Took my twin girls in for braces today and we had an amazing experience. The entire staff went out of their way to answer all of our questions and they were so sweet with the girls. The girls left with new braces and big smiles and I left with confidence in my desicion. I highly recommend them!
Melissa M.
We love Craig & Streight! They have always been so friendly and helpful!
Chuck K.
I've had nothing but the best-ever experience at CSO; from check-in to the clinics, the staff is all one one page, professional and SO very friendly. They're living the corporate ethos, and it shows! If you need orthodontics, it's CSO for me from now on!
Tiffany R.
The greatest staff and doctors! They made a challenging situation so much easier. Huge hearts, professional and went above and beyond. I’m so appreciative.
Response from the owner:Hi Tiffany. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to make a challenging situation more manageable for you. Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care, and it's heartwarming to know their efforts made a positive impact. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Vielje G.
Love the service, staffs are very friendly and approachable and always on point with their work.
Response from the owner:Hey Vielje. Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Providing friendly and attentive service is what we strive for, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the great work!
Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Response from the owner:Hi Kari. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family are so pleased with the care your children are receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and informative environment, and it’s great to know that their efforts are making a positive impact. We appreciate your trust in us!
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
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!

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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Norman, OK 73069

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Mustang, OK 73064
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