November 27, 2023
Picture someone with straight, beautiful teeth alongside someone with crooked teeth and oral health issues. Who are you more likely to ask out on a date or promote? If you chose candidate number one, you’re not alone.
We judge people based on their appearance, especially their smiles. An investment in braces can improve the appearance of your smile and oral health. The initial cost of braces can pay itself forward for years to come.
On the fence about paying for braces? Read on to discover the benefits of affordable dental braces in Tampa today!
Avoid Tooth Decay
If there are gaps between your teeth, you’re giving food particles and bacteria more places to hide. Bacteria, saliva, and food particles can mix, creating plaque. Plaque is the clear, sticky film that can lead to tooth decay.
Neglecting your oral health can give plaque time to harden into tartar. Unfortunately, misaligned teeth or gaps between your teeth can make brushing and flossing more difficult.
Cavities are one of the top unmet health treatment needs. When left untreated, cavities can cause infections. They can lead to problems with speaking, eating, learning, and playing.
Untreated cavities can also cause an abscess (severe infection). The infection can develop under your gums before spreading to other parts of the body. In some cases, an abscess can have serious or even fatal consequences.
Let your dentist know if you experience symptoms such as:
- Pain when chewing
- Toothaches
- Spontaneous pain
- Mild to sharp pain when eating/drinking
- Visible pits or holes in your teeth
- White, black, or brown staining
Tooth decay could cause your teeth to shift further. You could develop chewing problems or even lose a tooth.
If eating or chewing becomes painful, a cavity can also lead to weight loss or nutritional problems. The pain you experience could interfere with your daily life.
Though cavities are common, they are avoidable. About 90% of adults ages 20 and older have had at least one cavity.
Investing in orthodontic treatment could help you avoid cavities. Otherwise, treating tooth decay can become costly and time-consuming. Instead of waiting for a cavity to form, remain proactive with your oral health.
Straightening your teeth with cheap dental braces can close the gaps in your smile. You’ll have an easier time brushing and flossing. Your risk of tooth decay will decrease.
Prevent Heart Disease
Straightening your teeth with braces can prevent plaque and tartar from forming. Otherwise, tartar deposits will harden, leading to inflamed gums. Gum disease (gingivitis) can increase your risk of a bacterial infection.
Otherwise, the infection can spread through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, including your heart. Not many people realize heart disease can start in the mouth and gums.
To reduce your risk of heart disease, find an orthodontist in Tampa and discuss your treatment options. Braces can straighten your smile, making it easier for you to brush and floss. Prioritizing your oral hygiene can keep plaque and tartar from forming.
Let your dentist know right away if you experience symptoms of gingivitis, including:
- Sensitivity
- Pain when chewing
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
- A change in your bite
- Foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
You can reverse gum disease while it’s still in its early stages. Without treatment, gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung disease.
Address Health Issues
Orthodontic treatment could address other health issues, including:
- Speech problems
- Tension headaches
- TMJ
- Chewing problems
Straightening your teeth with braces will ensure your jaw is in proper alignment. You could stop clenching your jaw, which can cause tension in the jaw and neck.
Alignment issues can cause speech issues, including a lisp or whistling. Treatment with braces could mitigate these issues.
Let your orthodontist know if you chew sideways or in a lopsided fashion. Treatment can improve your ability to chew. If you don’t chew foods thoroughly, your digestive system will work harder to break down foods.
All of these seemingly tiny tissues can have a major impact on your quality of life. Investing in braces can help you avoid these problems. It can also help you avoid costly treatments that will only tackle symptoms (not the source of the issue).
Better Self-Confidence
Crooked teeth could keep you from feeling confident in social settings. You may start hiding your smile behind closed lips. Investing in braces will improve your smile and produce stunning results.
When your teeth are no longer misshapen, strange, or misaligned, you’ll feel better about yourself and your appearance. You may start taking risks in your personal or social life.
For example, you may go after a promotion or ask someone out on a date. You could feel more inclined to smile, which will help you make a strong first impression on everyone you meet.
A boost in self-confidence can make you more approachable. In fact, 68% of Americans say people who smile are more confident, trustworthy, and approachable. Another 76% say a smile is the number one physical trait that makes a first impression.
Investing in braces will encourage you to smile more, which can make you more attractive. If you’re ready to take a risk in romance, improve your smile first!
Consider the Investment in Braces
An investment in braces is an investment in your future. Over time, the initial cost of your braces will pay you back tenfold. Consider investing in your smile with orthodontic treatment today!
Need to find an orthodontist? SouthShore Orthodontics provides the best orthodontic care in the greater Tampa Bay area.
We can customize a treatment based on your smile goals. Contact us today to take the first step in investing in your smile.