Orthodontics is all about correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It’s not just about looks, though. Straightening your teeth can improve your oral health and prevent problems down the road.
Braces are a tried-and-true way to achieve these corrections, and the impact they can have on a person’s smile – and their self-confidence – is huge.
We’re going to show you the dramatic results that can be achieved with braces. This article will explore common dental problems that braces can fix, and we’ll show you the amazing before-and-after transformations that are possible. Get ready to see some incredible pictures of braces before and after!
Common Dental Issues Before Braces
Braces can work wonders, but what exactly are they correcting? Here’s a look at some of the most common dental issues people have before getting braces.
Misalignment and Crowding
Sometimes, teeth simply don’t erupt in the right spot. Or they erupt at an angle. Or there are simply too many teeth for the available space, causing the teeth to crowd each other.
Crowding occurs when teeth are too close together, sometimes even overlapping. This can make them harder to clean, which can increase your risk of cavities.
Misalignment can take several forms, including:
- Rotated teeth
- Teeth erupting in the wrong place
Bite Problems
Bite problems, also known as malocclusion, occur when the upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly.
Common bite problems include:
- Overbite: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, which can cause jaw pain and excessive wear on the teeth.
- Underbite: The lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, which can affect chewing and speech.
- Crossbite: One or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth.
- Open bite: A gap exists between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
How Braces Correct Dental Issues: The Treatment Process
Braces are a solution for misaligned teeth because they put constant pressure on your teeth to slowly move them into the correct positions. Brackets are glued to each tooth, and wires connect the brackets to each other.
Over time, an orthodontist will adjust the wires to guide the teeth into a straighter, more correct alignment.
The braces may be the traditional metal variety, or they may be ceramic. Lingual braces, which are attached to the tongue side of the teeth, are another option.
Sometimes, other appliances or procedures are needed to correct dental issues.
Upper expanders, for example, are often used to widen the palate.
And in some cases, teeth may need to be extracted to create room for crowded teeth to move into their proper places. Sometimes, extracting a tooth can prevent the need for a more invasive procedure.
If the jaw is misaligned, a Herbst appliance can be used to correct the issue.
After Braces: The Stunning Results
Braces can do more than just straighten your teeth; they can transform your smile and your life.
Improved Aesthetics
The most obvious change after braces is the smile itself. Teeth that were once crooked or misaligned are now straight and even, creating a more pleasing appearance. This transformation can lead to a significant boost in self-confidence, making people more willing to smile openly and confidently.
Braces can also improve facial symmetry. By correcting bite problems, orthodontists can often bring better balance to the face, enhancing overall attractiveness.
Functional Benefits
Beyond aesthetics, braces offer significant functional benefits. They improve bite function, making chewing and speaking easier. Correcting a bad bite can also reduce the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw.
Braces also contribute to long-term oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, properly aligned teeth experience less wear and tear over time.
Retention Phase
The retention phase is crucial for maintaining the new alignment achieved with braces. Retainers, which can be removable or fixed, are essential to prevent relapse and ensure that your teeth stay in their corrected positions.
Real Patient Transformations: Before and After Examples
There’s nothing like seeing the results for yourself. Before-and-after photos show you exactly what braces can do.
These galleries often feature a range of cases, including:
- Corrected overcrowding
- Overbite correction
- Underbite correction
- Open bite correction
- Cases that required tooth extractions
- Cases that used special appliances in addition to braces
But these photos show more than just straight teeth. They tell a story of increased patient satisfaction and a better quality of life. A straighter smile can have a huge emotional impact, boosting your confidence and helping you feel good about yourself.
In Summary
Orthodontic treatment with braces offers significant benefits. Beyond just aesthetics, braces can improve your bite and overall oral health. Many people find that straightening their teeth gives them a boost in self-esteem and improves their general well-being.
If you’re struggling with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, consider talking with an orthodontist to explore your treatment options. There are so many kinds of braces available today, you’re sure to find an option that works for you.
Ultimately, straightening your smile is an investment in your future. The payoff can be enormous!