Properly aligned teeth are the key to a healthy, attractive smile. Braces, offered by your Marion, AR, dentist, Dr. Wayne Cook, can help you take advantage of the important oral and general health benefits orthodontic treatment provides.

What Braces from our Marion Office Can Do for Your Smile

Misaligned teeth aren't just unattractive but can interfere with your biting and speaking ability and may even increase your risk of developing certain diseases and conditions. Improving the alignment of your teeth can prevent these issues:

• Poor Speech: Gaps between teeth or bite problems can affect your ability to speak clearly or pronounce certain sounds. Orthodontic treatment in Wayne corrects these problems and helps you improve your speech.
• Difficulty Biting and Chewing: Your upper and lower teeth are designed to meet perfectly when you bite and chew. If they don't fit together properly, you may find it difficult to chew foods thoroughly. Your stomach has to work harder to digest food that hasn't been broken down completely by chewing. As a result, you may experience upset stomachs and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Cavities: When your teeth are crooked and overlap, it may not be easy to completely remove plaque. The longer the clear, sticky substance remains on your teeth, the greater the chance that a cavity will form. Braces straighten your teeth, reducing your cavity risk.
• Gum Disease: Plaque eventually turns into tartar, a hard substance that irritates the gums and can be a factor in gum disease. If you have gum disease, bacteria from the infection can travel to other parts of your body via your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Straightening your teeth can help you avoid these health issues.
• Breathing Issues in Children: A narrow palate (roof of the mouth) can make it more difficult for your child to breathe. Palate issues may cause sleep apnea, change your child's facial characteristics or make clear speech more difficult. Wearing a palatal expander, an orthodontic device that gradually expands the palate, can be very helpful.

Could braces help you improve your smile? Call your dentist in Marion, AR, Dr. Cook, at (870) 739-8799 to schedule an appointment.