Many people mistakenly believe that orthodontic braces are a purely superficial or cosmetic procedure. But this is far from the case. The truth is that the alignment of your teeth and gums plays a major role in your overall health and wellness.
Braces do so much more than just straighten crooked teeth. Some people get them for an overbite or underbite. This is when the top and bottom rows of teeth do not align properly. This can cause jaw pain, chewing and eating difficulties, and a whole host of other problems. If these issues aren’t addressed early on, they could lead to severe hardships for a person later in life. That’s why orthodontic braces are so common for teenagers and young adults. The sooner you can realign your teeth, the better.
Another issue addressed by orthodontic braces is overcrowding. Some people simply don’t have enough room in their mouth for all the teeth to sit properly. This can cause pain, discomfort, and an array of other problems for the individual. Orthodontic braces can reposition the teeth. Sometimes, teeth extraction is required before the installation of the braces. In that case, the braces work to reposition the teeth that do remain in the mouth.