Over 75% of people say that the first thing they notice when meeting someone is their smile. Trying to make a good first impression while hiding your teeth is not exactly ideal, and that’s where braces come in. But why do people get braces? Is it purely for aesthetics, or are there medical reasons, too? Aspire Dental Wellness has the answers!
Why Do People Get Braces? Here Are the Most Common Reasons
Braces are a very common teeth alignment solution used for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, they are used to correct an overbite or an underbite, as well as other misalignments, such as crowded teeth.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
Most people have to wear braces for around two years, but it all depends on the exact dental condition. During this time, they will correct biting problems and other existing issues, such as speech impediments, all while giving you the ultimate smile makeover.
Why Do People Get Rubber Bands on Their Braces?
Rubber bands, sometimes simply called elastics, are strategically placed to apply additional force where it’s needed. Most commonly, dentists use them to correct a misaligned jaw, but other conditions can benefit as well.
Overbite or Underbite – Braces Can Fix It
According to the National Library of Medicine, around 20% of people have an excessive overbite. This means that the upper teeth are sticking further forward than the lower ones. Having an underbite is the exact opposite – the lower set overlaps the upper teeth.
Both conditions can be much more than a purely cosmetic issue. It’s about keeping your teeth healthy – the protruding set is more susceptible to damage, and that definitely complicates things. Also, with either overbite or underbite, you might experience problems with biting or even speech impediment.
How Do Braces Work to Straighten Teeth?
To fix an overbite, underbite, and other misalignments, braces use constant mild pressure to literally shift your teeth to where they need to be. The exact process depends on the type of braces you use, but this is generally how they work their magic.
They Can Fix an Open Bite and Close the Gap
An open bite means that, instead of teeth meeting evenly, there’s a gap between them when biting down. This “open space” can appear at the front or sides, making chewing and biting a bit challenging – just like with an overbite or underbite.
In some cases, undressed open bites can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) over time. This dental concern can be pretty uncomfortable, but believe it or not, advanced laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers an effective, completely non-invasive solution. However, prevention is always better than cure, so it’s better to tackle the open bite with orthodontic treatment before it develops into something more complex.
Overcrowded Teeth Can Also Be Corrected With Braces
When the teeth are overcrowded, there is little to no space between them. They can overlap and even push the whole set inward or outward. It’s an obvious confidence issue, and there are other concerns as well, such as keeping up with a solid oral hygiene routine. Clearly, that can stir up some trouble over time.
The Same Goes With Gaps Between the Teeth
Sure, every smile is unique, and recently, the gap between the front two teeth has become quite famous. However, even if you’re feeling good about it, the truth is that this space can result in more food particles getting trapped in between the teeth, and this can result in an array of dental issues down the road.
Why Do People With Straight Teeth Get Braces?
When someone has perfectly aligned teeth and still gets braces, it’s probably to set them up for future treatments. This includes dental implants, crowns, and bridges, as well as other restorative work.
Why Do Some People Only Get Top Braces?
If you see someone wearing braces only on the upper set of teeth, they’re probably well into their orthodontic treatment. What does this mean? Well, they’ve probably already had bottom braces, but they are sometimes worn for a shorter amount of time, so they’ve taken them off. Getting braces only on the upper or bottom teeth is usually not recommended.
Are There Any Alternatives to Braces?
When you think of braces, the first thing that comes to mind is childhood – after all, they’re the quintessential teenage experience. However, adults wear them too – in fact, 27% of adults are sporting a set.
But braces can be uncomfortable and annoying, and, let’s be real, they’re not a pretty sight. All of this can make you wonder – why do people get power chain braces? It’s a valid question, especially when you find out there are alternatives that are just as effective.
What are the alternatives? Aspire Dental Wellness offers the OrthoFX, a completely comfortable, hassle-free solution for mild to moderate adjustments. These aligners offer numerous benefits:
- The treatment time is shorter,
- The aligners are nearly invisible,
- You can take them off,
- They’re less irritating to wear,
- The material used is resistant to stains.
Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist Offers Smile Solutions for Everyone
Whether it’s your child or yourself, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, will find the option that fits. Braces, OrthoFX, even nighttime aligners – we’re here to make your journey to a healthy, confident smile as comfortable as possible. Ready to get started? Contact us today, and let’s find the perfect solution for those pearly whites!
