Braces are an orthodontic treatment designed to align the teeth and jaws. While often associated with improving appearance, their primary benefits are rooted in health and proper function. The process involves using fixed or removable appliances to apply gentle, continuous pressure, gradually moving teeth into a healthier position. Addressing misalignment, or malocclusion, prevents a range of future oral health complications and ensures the mouth can perform its complex functions efficiently.
Correction of Jaw and Bite Alignment
Proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws is foundational to a healthy bite, known as occlusion. When the jaws do not fit together correctly, malocclusion results, requiring physical correction to achieve a balanced relationship between the arches. A common issue is Class II malocclusion, or an overbite, where the upper front teeth project forward relative to the lower jaw. This excessive overlap can cause the lower front teeth to bite into the palate, potentially damaging gum tissue.
Conversely, a Class III malocclusion, or underbite, involves the lower jaw extending forward, causing the lower front teeth to rest in front of the upper teeth. Both overbites and underbites are often skeletal, meaning the size or position of the jawbones is incorrect. Braces work to reposition the dental arches to meet harmoniously. A crossbite is another structural problem where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
This lateral misalignment can force the lower jaw to shift to one side, leading to uneven pressure distribution and potentially affecting facial symmetry. Correcting these bite relationships ensures that the forces of chewing are distributed evenly across all teeth. Achieving a balanced bite reduces stress on individual teeth and the supporting jaw structures.
Management of Crowding and Gaps
Alignment issues within the dental arch, separate from the jaw relationship, also pose significant health risks. Severe dental crowding occurs when the jaw lacks sufficient space for all teeth to erupt properly, causing them to twist, overlap, or become displaced. This misalignment creates tight spaces where a toothbrush and floss cannot reach effectively, making it challenging to remove plaque and food debris.
The accumulation of plaque in these hard-to-clean areas increases the risk of developing dental caries (cavities) and gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that leads to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Braces systematically move teeth to create necessary space, straightening the arch and making all surfaces accessible for daily cleaning.
Orthodontic treatment also addresses spacing issues, or diastema, where there are noticeable gaps between teeth. While less of a cleaning concern than crowding, excessive spacing can lead to food entrapment and the shifting of adjacent teeth, destabilizing the overall arch structure. By closing these gaps, braces create a continuous, stable arch that is easier to maintain and less susceptible to movement.
Preventing Future Health and Oral Function Problems
Correcting a misaligned bite is a preventative measure that reduces long-term wear and tear on the teeth. When the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly, certain teeth make abnormal contact, leading to excessive friction and uneven pressure. This can cause premature erosion of the enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity, chipping, or fracturing.
Malocclusion often strains the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the complex joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. Misaligned teeth can force the jaw to function unnaturally, leading to symptoms like jaw pain, chronic headaches, popping or clicking sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Orthodontic correction alleviates this strain by establishing a stable bite relationship, allowing the joint to function smoothly.
Severe bite problems can impair the ability to chew food efficiently, impacting the initial stages of digestion. Proper alignment improves the mechanical function of the bite, making it easier to break down food. The improved alignment and function also contribute to better self-perception and confidence, a psychological benefit accompanying physical health improvements.