How Braces Improve Your Oral Health – Part I

Crooked Teeth – More Than an Aesthetic Issue

If your dentist has recommended that you visit an orthodontist for braces, don’t let any preconceived notions dissuade you. Braces accomplish much more than just straightening your teeth and giving you a more beautiful smile. While most people believe having crooked teeth is merely an aesthetic issue, you should know that straightening your teeth will improve your oral health and help you avoid serious dental problems for many years to come.

Braces reposition teeth to provide a straighter smile, and at the same time improve the functionality of your teeth. Nowadays, there are several options – including traditional metal braces where brackets are adhered to each tooth and a wire connects them, ceramic braces, which work in the same manner, but are less noticeable, and Invisalign, which use a series of clear plastic trays that are easily removed when you eat or brush and floss your teeth.

Straighter Teeth are Easier to Keep Clean

You probably know that brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily is an important part of good oral hygiene. However, if you have crowded or overlapping teeth, getting all the food particles and debris from between them can be difficult. If your dental hygienist has told you that he or she is seeing plaque buildup in your mouth because you can’t get in between those crooked or crowded teeth, braces might be the solution.

Because plaque can be just as damaging to your teeth and gums as cavities are, eventually leading to periodontal disease, it is important to resolve any problem that is making it difficult to keep your teeth clean. The inability to clean your teeth correctly can also lead to chronic bad breath and dry mouth. A dental checkup will help you get to the root of the problem.

Visit Your Orthodontist in Highland Park Now – Experience Better Checkups Later

Tooth decay and tooth loss is not only painful, but fillings and root canal work can become quite an expense. Having straighter teeth can help you avoid all that. By visiting your orthodontist in Highland Park and investing in the health of your smile now, cleaning your teeth and gums will be easier, and you will likely experience less tooth decay and tooth loss in the future. Imagine how much stress it will alleviate knowing you won’t have to worry about cavities at your regular dental appointments?

For more reasons to consider straightening your teeth and improving your oral health with braces – check out Part II of this series coming soon.

Orthodontist Dr Stefen Lippitz of Lippitz Orthodontics serves greater Chicago

About the Author

Dr. Stefen Lippitz is a respected orthodontist who practices in Chicago, Northbrook and Glencoe. With over 25 years of experience treating over 15,000 patients, Dr. Lippitz specializes in creating smiles that boost his patients’ confidence. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois Chicago and holds a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Iowa. Dr. Lippitz’ dedication to his field is evident through his pursuit of knowledge actively engaging with the PRIMUS Study Group and sharing his expertise as a lecturer at his alma mater. Inspired by his father’s career in orthodontics, Dr. Lippitz is truly passionate about improving the well-being of his patients.

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7070 N. Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60645

(773) 508-5588

1500 Shermer Rd. #100
Northbrook, IL 60062

(847) 562-8858

650 Vernon Ave
Glencoe, IL 60022

(847) 835-3200