Learn about the importance of straight teeth from your Marion dentist.

Braces do more than just straighten your teeth. They also offer several important dental health benefits. Wayne Cook, DDS, your Marion dentist, is here to share several advantages of orthodontic treatment.

Braces will help improve your self-confidence

It's hard to feel good about the way you look if your teeth are crooked, or you have an underbite, overbite or large gaps between your teeth. In fact, you may avoid smiling because you feel so self-conscious. Braces improve your smile and give your self-confidence a boost. When you feel good about the way you look, it's much easier to interact with other people and enjoy positive personal relationships.

You may have fewer cavities when your teeth are straight

When teeth overlap, it's impossible to completely remove plaque from every surface. Plaque eventually turns into a hard substance called tartar that can only be removed by your dentist. Tartar not only causes cavities, but can also cause painful gum disease. When your teeth are straight, brushing and flossing is much easier and more effective.

You'll be less likely to suffer dental trauma after you wear braces

Crooked, prominent or overlapping teeth are more likely to be injured or damaged if you're accidentally hit in the mouth. Uniformly straight teeth are better able to absorb the shock of a blow, and although a hard blow can damage even straight teeth, damage is much less likely if your teeth are in alignment.

You'll avoid pain due to bite and alignment issues

Misaligned teeth don't just look unattractive; they can also cause pain and other issues. When your teeth don't line up, you're more likely to grind them at night. Grinding wears down your teeth and can cause them to fracture eventually. In some cases, you may even develop temporomandibular joint disorder, (TMJ) a painful condition that can cause headaches and neck pain. Bite issues can also interfere with your ability to chew your food thoroughly, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of braces? Make an appointment with Wayne Cook, DDS, your Marion dentist, at (870) 739-8799. Transform your smile with braces!