Many people wear braces to improve the look of their smile, but they do much more than simply straighten teeth. They also contribute to better health, addressing issues like overcrowding and crookedness that affect the way we speak, chew, eat, smile and live.

Braces apply consistent pressure on the teeth, allowing them to gradually shift into a more optimal position. This can correct overbites, underbites, crossbites and other bite issues that can lead to jaw pain, tooth decay, gum disease, and even headaches.

They can also help with speech difficulties such as lisps by improving the alignment of the teeth. In addition, crowded or overcrowded teeth may create tight spaces that are hard to clean and can cause plaque buildup, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. When the teeth are correctly aligned, it’s easier to brush and floss them, which helps reduce the risk of these problems.

Having misaligned teeth can also place excess pressure on the jaw bone when biting or chewing, which can lead to erosion of the bone. By realigning the teeth, braces can relieve this stress and help protect the jaw bone.

While wearing braces, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can damage or get stuck in them. Sticky, crunchy or chewy foods such as corn on the cob, popcorn, taffy, bubblegum, and caramel are a few examples of food that should be avoided because they can get stuck in or break the brackets. Soft breads such as bagels and regular sandwich bread can also easily get caught in the wire or elastic bands.

Aside from avoiding hard or sticky foods, it’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing braces. This includes daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque, reducing the chances of stains on the teeth and gums. Additionally, it’s a good idea to use an antibacterial mouthwash that kills bacteria and freshens the breath.

Depending on the type of braces you have, you may need to make follow-up appointments with your orthodontist. At these appointments, the orthodontist will check how your teeth are moving and make any adjustments necessary to ensure they’re progressing as planned. During these visits, the orthodontist can adjust the ligatures, wires and/or arch wires to help guide your teeth into their desired positions. They can also add or remove rubber bands as needed. In general, these appointments should be scheduled about once every 4-8 weeks until the treatment is complete. This can take anywhere from 2-3 years. When the treatment is complete, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile that can last a lifetime!