Why Braces Are Important For Everyone
I have had a crooked smile for what feels like my entire life. I’d love to get braces, but I’m a stay-at-home mom, and my husband doesn’t think we can afford braces. Because he is the one who works full-time, he has said no to my orthodontic work. He said I’ve had the same smile forever, so he doesn’t understand why we need to spend the money now. How can I convince him otherwise?
Sincerely,
A mom who wants a better smile
Your husband may believe that orthodontic work would offer cosmetic benefits, so he doesn’t think the cost is justified. I believe strongly that no matter what the reason for seeking out orthodontic treatment, EVERYONE deserves a straight smile – and not just because it is beautiful, but because a straight smile means a healthy, properly functioning smile.Braces help orthodontic patients in a variety of ways, like helping them eat, speak and sometimes even breathe more normally. But braces also serve another important purpose – they can increase a patient’s self-confidence.I treat patients of all ages, and every day, I get to see the positive impact my work has on my patients’ lives. They no longer experience pain from their bad bites, but they also face the world more confidently with their beautifully straight smiles.
Your smile is typically the first thing others notice about you, and if you hide it because your smile embarrasses you, you may be giving people a bad first impression. You deserve a smile you are proud of!
Studies have shown that people who smile often are happier, healthier and more successful than those who won’t.
When patients come into my office, a primary concern is usually cost. At first glance the cost of orthodontic treatment can seem daunting for many of us. But for my adult patients, when we start discussing the positive ways braces can impact their lives, they realize the cost is well worth it.
Do you have frequent headaches, jaw pain, even ear aches? You may think they are from stress, or managing a household of children, but they most likely are from your bite.
When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break.
Not only that, poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly. And that can lead to decay and gum disease.
Have you been having to spend more time in your dentist’s office? Chances are good it’s because of your poorly aligned bite. Many adults who didn’t undergo orthodontic treatment in their adolescent years realize that they pay for it as adults.
Your husband may think he doesn’t want to spend the money on something that is for cosmetic reasons. First, I’d argue that even if you simply want a prettier smile, everyone deserves a smile they can be proud to show off. But secondly, orthodontic treatment has very real positive effects on the health of your mouth. In my practice, aesthetics and function go hand in hand – a straighter, more beautiful smile will distribute the force of your bite more evenly and be less prone to dental problems.
Your dentist probably won’t tell you this, but one of the best ways to ensure your teeth stay healthy, and you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime, is to make sure they are straight. Teeth that aren’t straight are more prone to damage, and are more difficult for your dentist to repair. If you want your smile to last a lifetime, orthodontics can help.
And, if you simply want to feel better about yourself, a gorgeous new smile can do that. I see it every day. Orthodontics has wonderful benefits, and my patients will tell you they are so happy and confident with their new smiles. No matter what your reason for seeking out orthodontic treatment, you are worth the investment!
Schedule a free consultation with my office and bring your husband along with you. Not only will our financial specialist show him how affordable our braces are, I would be happy to explain in further detail the benefits of a straight smile.
Sincerely,
Dr. S.
