Top Three Benefits of Braces

Braces are a standard orthodontic treatment designed to straighten misaligned teeth and improve your bite. Many people associate braces with adolescents, but they are becoming increasingly popular among adults. With new technologies, braces have become more comfortable and less noticeable. In this article, we’ll explore the top three benefits of braces to help you determine if they’re right for you.

The experienced team at Tompkins Orthodontics of Columbia, SC, is proud to serve the local community with state-of-the-art and premium dental care services, including the installation of braces to perfect the smiles of tomorrow.

What are Braces?

Braces are a series of brackets and wires affixed to your teeth. Over time, these brackets and wires work together to apply gentle pressure to your teeth, which helps them to move into their proper position gradually. Braces can be made from various materials, including ceramic, metal, and plastic. Your dentist will be able to help you determine which type of braces are best for your needs.

What are the Benefits of Braces?

Braces have a plethora of excellent benefits for your mouth and oral structure. Here are three of the most common:

Better Oral Health

One of the most significant benefits of braces is that they can help to improve your oral health. When your teeth are correctly aligned, it’s easier to clean them thoroughly and keep them free of decay and disease. Braces can also help to reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health problems.

Better Smile

Braces are a great way to improve the appearance of your smile. Whether you’re looking to improve your self-esteem or want to boost your overall appearance, braces can help. By straightening your teeth, braces can help you to achieve a more attractive and confident smile.

Better Function

In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, braces can also help to improve your bite. When your teeth are correctly aligned, you’ll be able to chew your food more effectively and speak more clearly. This can improve your overall quality of life and help you avoid other dental problems.

Your Local Quality Dentist

Your local quality dentist can assess your needs and determine if braces are right for you. With their expertise and guidance, you’ll be able to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile in no time. During your next appointment with the professional team at Tompkins Orthodontics of Columbia, SC, you can rest assured that you are receiving the proper care and guidance that you and your loved ones deserve.

Traditional Braces vs clear aligners: What you need to know

Traditional braces have been around for decades. they’re known for being effective, but also problematic because they can leave some people feeling self conscious about their smile. The modern solutions to this problem are clear aligners. Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are more subtle and easier to maintain. If you need to have your teeth straightened, your dental professional in Columbia and Irmo, SC can help you determine whether braces or clear aligners are right for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are made up of wires and brackets. To adjust the placement of the teeth, the wires are tightened to pull the teeth in whatever direction is needed.

Traditional braces are an effective product for straightening the teeth, but they do come with some downsides. Namely, traditional braces are very visible and can make some patients feel self-conscious about their smile. Braces also rub against the soft inside of the mouth, and can cause discomfort.

Finally, traditional braces can be easily broken by crunchy foods, like almonds. In addition, sticky foods (like taffy) can become lodged in the wires of traditional braces, which makes them difficult to clean. People who wear traditional braces have to watch what they eat, and are not able to eat foods that can do damage to braces.

Clear Aligners

Spark Clear Aligners work like braces, by gently pushing the teeth into the right place. They’re made from clear plastic that fits over the teeth and slowly shifts the teeth from crooked to straight.

There are some advantages of Spark Clear Aligners over braces. For example:

  • Clear aligners can be removed for cleaning, which makes maintaining good dental hygiene simple compared to braces.
  • Clear aligners do not impact the way your smile looks.
  • Clear aligners can be removed for meals, which means you can eat whatever foods you want.

Making a Decision

Not sure whether you want clear aligners or braces in Columbia and Irmo, SC? Talk to your dental professional at Tompkins Orthodontics. Call today to make an appointment and learn more about how you can benefit from clear aligners and traditional braces, and which one might be best for you.