The Benefits of Braces

Long Beach, CA – If you’ve been told you’ll need braces one day, chances are you may be a little nervous about how your life will be during your treatment, and you may even be wishing you could put that orthodontic treatment off for a while. Unfortunately, we serve many adult patients who have done just that, and a problem that could have been simple to fix is now more complicated than it would have been had it been corrected in adolescence.

I often find that for my patients, especially those in their teens, the thought of braces can be tough, but once we explain the benefits, they can’t wait to get their treatment started. I know the teenage years can be all about trying to fit in, and having braces on a smile you already don’t love might make you feel like you stick out. The good news is that treatment goes by quickly and you’ll start to see noticeable changes in a short period of time.

So, how can patients benefit from orthodontic treatment?

1. Increased self-confidence. Do you try to hide your current smile because you don’t like the way it looks? Braces can fix that! If your smile currently has gaps, or is too crowded, or just doesn’t look or feel right, you may not smile as big as you could. Braces can provide you with a beautiful smile that is both straight and healthy, making you proud to show it off to everyone.
2. Better oral health. Crooked, crowded and misaligned teeth can be harder to keep clean. If your teeth are too crowded in your mouth, it can be hard for your toothbrush and floss to adequately clean your teeth. That can lead to an increased risk of dental decay and gum disease. Braces give you straighter teeth, and straighter teeth mean healthier teeth.
3. A happier, healthier life. Did you know that people who smile a lot are often healthier and happier than those who hide their smiles? It’s true! Studies have shown that smiling, even when it begins as a fake smile, can reduce stress levels and increase the hormones that make us happy. One study even proved that smiling makes us happier than chocolate!
4. Make those around you happier. Did you know your smile can make those around you happier? Studies have shown us that smiling is contagious – seeing another person’s smile can actually suppress our control over our facial muscles, compelling us to smile along with them.

So, if you are in need of orthodontic treatment, there is no time like the present to start reaping those rewards that will come when your treatment is completed. And if you’re past your adolescent years and have a smile you don’t like, there is still plenty of time to get the smile of your dreams. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult.

The happiest day in our office is the day a patient has his or her braces removed. The joy we see on the face of a patient seeing his or her new smile for the first time is contagious! That look of joy is the reason why we love what we do. Call HD Orthodontics today at 562-283-6590 to schedule your complimentary consultation.