Dr. Catherine Scheurer McDevitt has spent over 20 years transforming smiles in Worthington, Ohio. At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, her patient-centered approach goes beyond creating beautiful teeth—it’s about improving lives through comprehensive orthodontic care.
Many people view braces as simply a cosmetic treatment, but the benefits of braces extend far beyond appearances. From improved oral health to enhanced self-confidence, orthodontic treatment offers advantages that can positively impact your quality of life for decades to come.
Whether you’re considering traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign for yourself or your child, understanding these transformative benefits will help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic journey.
Key Takeaways
- Braces correct dental misalignments that affect both function and appearance
- Orthodontic treatment improves oral hygiene and reduces long-term dental costs
- Properly aligned teeth enhance digestion, speech, and jaw comfort
- The psychological benefits of a straight smile boost confidence and self-esteem
- Dr. McDevitt’s personalized approach ensures optimal results for each patient
What are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances designed to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. They work by applying consistent, gentle pressure over time to correct misalignments such as overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, Dr. McDevitt offers several types of braces to meet different needs and preferences:
- Traditional metal braces: Made of high-quality stainless steel, these are the most common and cost-effective option
- Translucent ceramic braces: A more discreet alternative that blends with your natural tooth color
- Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen®: Removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible
Benefit 1: Improved Dental Alignment
The primary advantage of orthodontic treatment is correcting dental misalignments that can cause functional problems. Braces effectively address:
- Overbite: When upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth
- Underbite: When lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth
- Open bite: When front teeth don’t touch when back teeth are together
These corrections improve your bite function and prevent uneven wear on your teeth, which can lead to premature tooth damage and jaw problems.
Benefit 2: Enhanced Oral Hygiene
Straight teeth are significantly easier to clean than crooked or crowded teeth. When teeth are properly aligned, your toothbrush and floss can reach all surfaces effectively, removing plaque and bacteria that cause:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
This improved accessibility for cleaning reduces your risk of developing serious oral health issues and helps maintain fresher breath throughout the day.
Benefit 3: Better Digestion
Proper chewing begins with properly aligned teeth. When your bite is correct, you can break down food more efficiently, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption. Crooked teeth or bite problems can force you to swallow larger pieces of food, putting extra strain on your digestive system.
The benefits of wearing braces include improved chewing function that supports better overall health through enhanced nutrition absorption.
Benefit 4: Clearer Speech
Teeth play a crucial role in speech production. Misaligned teeth, gaps, or bite problems can cause:
- Lisping
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- Mumbled or unclear speech
Orthodontic treatment can correct these speech impediments by properly positioning your teeth and improving tongue placement during speech. Many patients notice significant improvements in their clarity and confidence when speaking.
Benefit 5: Reduced Risk of Tooth Injury
Protruding or misaligned teeth are more vulnerable to injury during sports, accidents, or everyday activities. Braces help move these teeth into safer positions, reducing the risk of:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Tooth displacement from impact
- Soft tissue injuries inside the mouth
This protection is especially important for children and teenagers who participate in sports or other physical activities.
Benefit 6: Relief from Jaw Pain
Many people experience jaw pain, headaches, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders due to bite problems. When your teeth don’t come together properly, it can strain your jaw muscles and joints.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment include relieving this strain by correcting bite alignment, which can significantly reduce:
- Jaw pain and clicking
- Chronic headaches
- Neck and shoulder tension
- TMJ symptoms
Benefit 7: Boosted Self-Esteem
A straight, beautiful smile can dramatically impact your confidence and self-esteem. Many patients report feeling more comfortable:
- Smiling in photos
- Speaking in public
- Meeting new people
- Participating in social activities
This psychological benefit often extends to improved performance in school, work, and personal relationships. The confidence that comes with a great smile can truly be life-changing.
Benefit 8: Long-Term Cost Savings
While orthodontic treatment, such as braces, requires an initial investment, it can save you significant money in the long run. By addressing alignment issues early, you can prevent:
- Extensive dental restorations
- Tooth replacement procedures
- Gum disease treatment
- TMJ therapy
The benefits of traditional braces include preventing these costly future treatments by correcting problems at their source.
Benefit 9: Customized Treatment Plans
Dr. McDevitt understands that every patient’s needs are unique. At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, treatment plans are carefully customized based on:
- Individual dental anatomy
- Specific alignment issues
- Personal goals and preferences
- Lifestyle considerations
This personalized approach ensures optimal results and a treatment experience tailored to your specific situation.
Benefit 10: Positive Orthodontic Experience
Dr. McDevitt’s commitment to transparency, communication, and patient comfort sets A Winning Smile Orthodontics apart. Patients consistently praise the practice for:
- Clear communication about treatment progress
- Gentle, friendly care
- Flexible scheduling
- Creating a welcoming environment for all ages
As one parent shared: “Always gentle, friendly, flexible, and on time. We’ve had a great experience so far. My 8-year-old reports: ‘They’re really nice!'”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
A: Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of your case, but most patients wear braces for 18-24 months. Dr. McDevitt will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Q: Are braces painful?
A: You may experience some discomfort when braces are first applied or adjusted, but this typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any temporary discomfort.
Q: Can adults benefit from braces?
A: Absolutely! Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve their smile and oral health. It’s never too late to experience the benefits of braces.
Q: What’s the difference between metal and ceramic braces?
A: Both types work the same way, but ceramic braces are less visible because they blend with your natural tooth color. Metal braces are typically more durable and cost-effective.
Transform Your Smile with Expert Orthodontic Care
The benefits of braces extend far beyond creating a beautiful smile. From improved oral health and better digestion to enhanced confidence and long-term cost savings, orthodontic treatment can truly transform your quality of life.
Dr. Catherine Scheurer McDevitt and her team at A Winning Smile Orthodontics are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized care that addresses your unique needs and goals. With over 20 years of experience serving the Worthington and Columbus communities, Dr. McDevitt combines expertise with genuine care for each patient’s comfort and satisfaction.
Ready to discover how orthodontic treatment can benefit you or your child? Schedule a consultation today by calling (614) 888-8070. Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google My Business page to see what our patients are saying about their positive experiences with our practice.
You can also visit our office at 7100 N High St #105, Worthington, OH 43085.
