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      • Gum Disease
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      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
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      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
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    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
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    • Floss
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      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
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Why Braces Are More Than Just About How Your Teeth Look

  • August 28, 2019
  • 8:56 am
  • Braces
  • Braces, straight teeth
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

Many people have a misconception that braces are simply a cosmetic procedure, designed to give you a smile that looks nice. While it is true that you will have a beautiful, straight smile after you have completed your orthodontic treatment, there are many benefits they provide to your overall health. Learn more with Dr. Harrison’s orthodontic team below. 

Braces Improve Your Oral Health

Not only are straight teeth more aesthetically pleasing, but they also help to contribute to healthy gums and teeth. Teeth that have been properly aligned by braces are much easier to clean, brush, and floss. Crooked teeth often have nooks and crannies that enable bacteria and plaque to hide from your toothbrush. Teeth that are too close together can be challenging to floss properly. Over a long enough time, these problems lead to cavities, which can also lead to the destruction of the bones that hold your teeth in place. Orthodontic treatment sets you up for a lifetime of oral health since it’ll be much easier to maintain your oral hygiene.

Related Topics: The Best Times to Get Braces

Straight Teeth Are Less Prone to Injury

Teeth that protrude are more likely to break during an accident. Once your teeth have been appropriately repositioned, they teeth work together as a stabilizing force. 

Orthodontic Treatment Helps You Digest Your Food

Many people don’t realize how important of a role their teeth play in the digestion process. Misaligned teeth can have difficulty breaking your food down into small pieces. This causes your stomach to work harder and longer to breakdown and digest your food. People who don’t properly chew their food often develop digestion problems and are at a higher risk of choking. Your braces can truly be a lifesaver!

Braces Can Improve Your Speech

Sure, speaking will be a bit more difficult when you first get your braces. However, misaligned teeth often contribute to chronic speech problems. Once your orthodontic treatment is finished, your teeth will no longer get in the way of your tongue and lips, potentially helping you fix your speech problems.

Related Post: Braces and Self-Confidence

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Harrison Today

If you have misaligned teeth and are interested in learning more about the benefits of braces, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrison at Parkcrest Dental Group today. We will give you a full breakdown of the potential health issues you may face without treatment and recommend the best course of action to set you up with a healthy smile.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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