Risks and Benefits of Braces – Mobile, AL Orthodontics
As with any dental treatment, there are numerous pros and cons to keep in mind when it comes to braces. Even though orthodontic care is highly effective, you need to know both the positives and negatives so you can make the best possible decision about your dental health. During your visit to our practice serving Mobile, AL, we’ll go over the risks and benefits of braces in full detail. Rest assured that when it comes to orthodontic care, we will have your best interests in mind each step of the way.
Benefits of Braces
The greatest benefit of braces is that you will have teeth that are straight and properly aligned. There are many aesthetic benefits to this, obviously. As you can see from these before and after photos of Mobile, AL braces patients, their orthodontic care has given them incredible results.
In terms of dental health, you’d be surprised how important it is to have straight teeth. Teeth that are crowded or poorly aligned can actually result in teeth grinding. This happens when your jaw shifts during your sleep, unable to find a proper resting position. This can lead to a TMJ disorder (the often painful clicking, locking, and grinding of the jaw) if not addressed.
This combination of aesthetics and functionality should be enough reason to consider braces for your needs.
Risks of Braces
The risks of braces are relatively few. Sometimes people will experience discomfort and soreness of their teeth due to the tension placed on them. This is a natural feeling and generally subsides with time. Of course, adjustments to the braces can cause this to occur again.
Sometimes the brackets and wires will rub up against the insides of the lips or cheeks, causing sensitivity of the soft tissues of the mouth. Generally this is not too severe, though it can vary from patient to patient.
Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces
There are certain foods that patients should avoid when they get braces. These include:
- Taffy
- Caramel
- Chewing gum
- Corn on the cob
- Ice (do not chew)
- Hard candies
- Peanut brittle
- Beef jerky and other dries meats
- Popcorn
Essentially any sticky foods or hard foods need to be avoided. During your visit to our Mobile, AL practice for braces, we’ll discuss other dos and don’ts when it comes to orthodontic care.
Braces and Self-Consciousness
Lastly, we should address the sense of self-consciousness that some patients feel about their braces. It’s understandable that adults and children may feel concerned about wearing braces given the stigma often attached to them. That stigma is fading, however, especially since so many celebrities have gotten braces over the years, including Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani, Brett Favre, and Nicolas Cage.
Just know this: you should not feel self-conscious about improving your dental health. There’s no reason to feel bad about doing something that will be good for you in the long run.
Schedule a Consultation for Braces in Mobile, AL
Given that there are few risks to getting braces and plenty of benefits, it’s clear that orthodontic care is a great option. Not only will your smile look better, but it will be much healthier in the long run as well. To learn more about various options for straightening your teeth, contact our Mobile, AL orthodontics practice for braces today. Dr. Harvey and the entire team here look forward to your visit.