5 Important Benefits of Traditional Braces

Everyone admires a bright, straight smile. But most people aren’t born with perfectly straight teeth, and that means many of us need orthodontic treatment to achieve that picture-perfect look.

Traditional braces have been the most common orthodontic treatment for decades, but clear aligners are quickly becoming a popular alternative — so which option is right for you?

Aditi Saxena, DDS, and Viridiana Wheeler, DDS, specialize in orthodontics at Austin Advanced Dentistry. We offer traditional braces and clear aligners, and in this blog, we’re taking a closer look at five of the most important benefits our patients get with braces.

The benefits of traditional braces

Traditional braces are a time-tested method to get straighter teeth, yet many people are still hesitant about getting them. Here’s why you don’t need to worry.

1. Braces effectively straighten your teeth

The primary purpose of braces is to move your teeth into proper alignment, and they’re highly effective. Our dentists fix metal brackets to your teeth and thread wires through them.

The brackets and wires apply constant pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into the correct positions. It’s a slow, gradual process, but it helps ensure your teeth stay in the proper position after you remove your brace.

2. Braces correct bite problems

Traditional braces not only straighten your teeth but also fix bite problems. These problems can include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite, which can interfere with your ability to chew and speak properly.

Our team uses a combination of brackets, wires, and bands to adjust your bite gradually. By correcting these problems, traditional braces help improve the functionality of your teeth and jaws, leading to better oral health throughout your life.

3. Braces are fully customizable

Traditional braces are completely customizable. When you start orthodontic treatment, our team evaluates your mouth and develops a treatment plan to help you achieve a great smile. We select the best brackets and wires for your needs and make adjustments as your teeth move to ensure your treatment is as comfortable, fast, and effective as possible.

4. Braces deliver long-lasting results

The results of traditional braces are long-lasting — even permanent — if you follow our instructions for post-treatment care. After we remove your braces, you may get a permanent retainer or wear a removable retainer to help maintain the new position of your teeth. You can enjoy your new smile for a lifetime with proper care and regular dental check-ups.

5. Having braces improves your oral health

When you have traditional braces, cleaning your teeth may take extra time and care. But in the end, braces improve the appearance of your teeth and your oral health.

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Correcting bite problems also helps reduce the risk of jaw pain, headaches, and other discomforts associated with misaligned teeth and jaws.

Traditional braces vs. clear aligners

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, we offer both traditional braces and Invisalign®. Each method has its benefits, and we believe that traditional braces are still the best option for some people.

Braces are generally more effective for correcting complex dental issues like severe overcrowding, crossbites, and underbites. They’re also fixed in place, so they’re always working, and you don’t have to remove them before eating or drinking. Traditional braces also require fewer visits to the orthodontist because you don’t need to get new ones every few weeks.

Ultimately, an orthodontic consultation is the best way to determine which option suits your specific dental needs. If you’re dreaming of a straighter smile, schedule an appointment online or call our Austin, Texas, office at 512-331-6677 today.