Most people think of orthodontic treatment as a path to straighter teeth and a more confident grin, but there are several more benefits to getting braces or clear aligners. Nearly half of adults show signs of gum disease, which is often linked to misaligned teeth, making it difficult to maintain good oral health with brushing and flossing. This is only the first of many oral health issues that can be fixed with orthodontic treatment. 

For those in Cary, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Morrisville who struggle with speech impediments or jaw pain or discomfort while chewing, straightening the way the teeth and jaw fit together can also provide lasting relief. Read on to learn about the benefits of braces from the best orthodontist in Apex. 

Top Five Benefits of Getting Braces

Braces and clear aligners do much more than straighten teeth. Whether guiding a teen’s growing smile or refining an adult smile, orthodontic treatment supports lasting comfort, confidence, and oral health at every age:

1. Improved Speech and Communication

Clear speech is something most people take for granted until they notice a lisp, whistle, or mispronunciation coming from between their teeth when they talk. For most people, these small speech quirks trace back to how the teeth and jaws fit together: 

• An overbite can cause air to escape in a hiss when pronouncing some letter sounds
• An open bite can make words sound slurred or incomplete
• Crossbites and underbites can shift how the tongue moves, forcing it to work harder to form certain letters

Speaking clearly can feel like a weight lifted since you no longer worry about being misunderstood or self-conscious in conversation. That confidence often spills into classrooms, workplaces, and daily interactions, where being heard matters as much as what’s being said.

2. Boosted Self-Confidence and Social Well-Being

Confidence can shift quietly, often in the moments when you decide to smile without covering your mouth or speak up without second-guessing how you look. People with crooked or crowded teeth sometimes hide their smiles in photos or avoid laughing freely around others. Once alignment is fixed with braces or clear aligners, many notice more than just straighter teeth. They feel lighter, more at ease, and more willing to engage. A confident smile draws people in, creating a natural connection that can shape friendships, job interviews, and first impressions. Over time, that confidence can ripple into better communication, stronger relationships, and a more positive outlook. 

3. Better Oral Hygiene and Long-Term Dental Health

Crowded or crooked teeth can turn daily brushing and flossing into a challenge, leaving behind the faint grit of plaque in spots a toothbrush can’t quite reach. When food and bacteria settle in those tight spaces, they quietly wear down tooth enamel and irritate the gums, setting the stage for tooth decay or gingivitis. Straightening the teeth makes cleaning simpler and more effective by giving every surface room to make oral hygiene less of a struggle. 

Proper alignment also balances how your teeth meet when you bite, which prevents uneven wear of teeth and small fractures that can appear over time. Remember that your teeth will still need consistent care after your braces come off. Brushing, flossing, and wearing your retainer as directed will keep your results lasting a lifetime.

4. Improved Bite 

Chewing might not be something you think about very often, but the way your upper and lower teeth align with each bite affects far more than you might think. When your teeth or your jaw are misaligned, chewing can feel uneven or tiring, as if one side of your mouth does more work than the other. It can also cause uneven wear on teeth and increase your risk of TMJ disorder. Some people even have to avoid certain foods because of jaw soreness after eating. A properly aligned bite allows the teeth, jaw, and muscles to share the load evenly, which makes chewing smoother. This balance can also lower the risk of jaw tension, headaches, or clicking sounds near the ears that signal joint stress. 

5. Prevention of Future Dental and Health Issues

Surprisingly, straightening teeth can also help protect your future physical health. When teeth are crowded or bite patterns are off, the strain can slowly wear down enamel, putting pressure on the gums and leaving teeth more vulnerable to chips or fractures. Protruding front teeth are also more likely to be injured during sports or accidents. Misalignment can also affect breathing and sleep quality if it narrows the airway. Common signs of a misaligned jaw narrowing the airway include audible breathing patterns, snoring, and sleep apnea. 

Finding the Best Orthodontist in Apex, Cary, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Morrisville for Adult and Teen Orthodontic Treatment

At Spielberg Orthodontics, we take time to learn what matters most to you, whether that’s a discreet Invisalign plan, a comfortable braces experience, or guidance for your teen’s orthodontic care. As the best orthodontist in Apex, Dr. Spielberg combines precision, patience, and a calm, welcoming approach that puts both kids and adults at ease. 

Thanks to Dr. Spielberg’s patient-first approach, our office has become a destination for families across Cary, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Morrisville who want care that fits their lifestyle and their goals.