Braces Improve Your Health

You're wondering if you should get braces. This is the first in a series explaining why braces should be considered outside of the obvious reason of just having straight teeth.

• You will be able to chew your food better.Chewing is the first step in digestion. If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly so partially unchewed food will go down to your stomach. That can give you an upset stomach
• You will avoid dental problems.If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it you will have problems with your teeth for years to come; your teeth will be hard to clean. Your gums will hurt. Your teeth will wear in ways that the should not. The effects are significant enough that many adults are now going back to the orthodontist for braces. 
• You may avoid developing a breathing problem.As you get older the roof your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. That makes you snore loudly, and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea." If you get braces you can avoid this possibility.