What are the pros and cons of wearing orthodontic braces?

Having straight and aligned teeth can improve your smile and boost overall confidence. Just like any other procedure, orthodontic treatment also has pros and cons. There are many aspects of the braces that you’ll love and others that you may not like. We have put together a list of pros and cons to help you understand both sides of the treatment.

Pros Of Orthodontic Braces

From aligning teeth to improving self-esteem and preventing gum diseases, braces offer several advantages. Here are a few of them:

Straight And Beautiful Teeth

• One of the primary reasons patients opt for braces is straight teeth. They allow you to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that you can show off. They look aesthetically pleasing as well as improve oral hygiene. While straight teeth prevent the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more, crooked teeth increase the chances of periodontal diseases.

Crooked teeth trap food particles that attract bacteria. In addition, cracks and crevices make it difficult to brush and floss properly. On the other hand, aligned teeth make it easier to brush and clean all surfaces.

Save Money And Time

• Getting braces early in life reduces the risk of dental diseases caused by crooked teeth. In some cases, bacteria tapped in misaligned teeth start to erode the bones beneath the teeth. This can lead to the development of severe dental issues. However, braces can help save time and money that would have been required to fix orthodontic problems.

Braces Are An Effective Solution

• Braces are an effective solution for straightening teeth and have helped people smile confidently for decades. There are several options to choose from. Your dentist can help you select the one that best suits your needs. Metal braces are made from high-grade stainless steel. These are highly noticeable when you smile.

However, different hues can be added to make them less noticeable. Another option is ceramic braces that match the color of the teeth. For minor dental issues, a series of aligner templates can also be helpful.

Allow Proper Chewing

• Patients with issues such as jaw misalignment find it hard to chew their food correctly. This can lead to improper digestion. Braces help correct this problem by aligning your teeth properly. Thus, making it easier to chew and digest your food effectively.

Cons Of Having Orthodontic Braces

Although the advantages of getting braces outweigh the disadvantages, you should consider a few things.

Limited Food Choices

• One of the downsides of wearing braces is that you must avoid specific food items while wearing them. Patients will be given a list of foods that they are not allowed to consume. Hard and sticky items like nuts, raw vegetables, candies, gums, etc., are usually the most concerning. So they should be avoided. Patients must adapt their lifestyle and eating habits which might become uncomfortable in the long run.

First Experience Can Be Painful

• Since braces have attachments that go on the front of each tooth, getting braces for the first time can be painful. In addition, braces are tightened with a metal wire that exerts pressure on the teeth. This can lead to soreness and discomfort over time. Metal brackets may also irritate the tongue and lips.

Require Vigorous Maintenance

• It’s not easy to clean and maintain a pair of metal braces. Since you have to brush and floss around the wire to get between the teeth, cleaning can become difficult.

Icon Dental Center provides the best Orthodontic Treatment, including braces and aligners. You can find a detailed list of other treatments that we offer on our website.

For consultations or bookings, call us at (206) 225-2882 for our Seattle Dentist Office and (425) 337-2400 for our Everett Dentist Office.