... Skip to content
  • (225) 769-1276
  • Payment Calculator
Complimentary Consult
Sherman Desktop
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Philanthropy
    • Our Technology
    • Our Testimonials
    • Office Tours
  • Orthodontics
        • Braces
          • Types Of Braces
          • Braces For Kids
          • Braces For Teens
          • Braces For Adults
          • Braces FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Clear Aligners
          • About Invisalign
          • About Spark Aligners
          • Clear Aligners For Kids
          • Clear Aligners For Teens
          • Clear Aligners For Adults
          • Clear Aligner FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Orthodontic Resources
          • When Should My Child First See An Orthodontist?
          • Early Orthodontic Treatment
          • Common Orthodontic Issues
          • Orthodontic Care Tips & Tricks
          • Orthodontic FAQ
          • Post-Treatment Options
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Virtual Consult
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • Information Videos
    • Emergency Care
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Complimentary Consult
Sherman Desktop
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Philanthropy
    • Our Technology
    • Our Testimonials
    • Office Tours
  • Orthodontics
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Clear Aligners
      • About Invisalign
      • About Spark Aligners
      • Clear Aligners For Kids
      • Clear Aligners For Teens
      • Clear Aligners For Adults
      • Clear Aligner FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Orthodontic Resources
      • When Should My Child First See An Orthodontist?
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment
      • Common Orthodontic Issues
      • Orthodontic Care Tips & Tricks
      • Orthodontic FAQ
      • Post-Treatment Options
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Virtual Consult
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • Information Videos
    • Emergency Care
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • (225) 396-3480
  • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Forms
complimentary consult
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Is Straightening Your Teeth Purely a Cosmetic Decision?

more than smiles

Straight teeth provide you many health benefits!

 

It’s a common misconception that teeth straightening is purely a cosmetic procedure. It’s not. Braces serve several purposes beyond just improving the appearance of teeth. Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct various dental issues and achieve a healthier bite.

Here are some reasons why braces are not just cosmetic:

Alignment of teeth: Braces are commonly used to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth. Proper alignment enhances oral function, makes it easier to clean teeth, and improves overall oral health.

 

Bite correction: Braces can correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. These problems can cause difficulty in chewing, speech issues, and excessive wear on the teeth. By aligning the teeth and jaws properly, braces help to improve the bite and prevent future dental problems.

Jaw alignment: Braces can also address misalignment or discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. This is particularly important for individuals with skeletal malocclusions or jaw growth abnormalities. By guiding the growth of the jaws, braces can help achieve proper alignment and balance between the upper and lower teeth.

Speech improvement: Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can affect speech clarity. Braces can help correct these issues and improve speech patterns, leading to clearer and more confident communication.

Preventive care: Orthodontic treatment with braces can prevent future dental problems. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By straightening the teeth, braces make oral hygiene maintenance easier and reduce the likelihood of dental complications.

While braces do have cosmetic benefits, their primary purpose is to address functional and oral health concerns. It’s important to have a consultion with us to determine the specific orthodontic needs and potential benefits of braces for an individual’s unique situation. If you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, contact us today!

Sherman-Balhoff-Ortho-BoySmiling
exc-5d236858ce6c260001b34a47
Sherman & Bal Photos-04 (3)
boys smilling
Sherman & Bal Photos-03replace (2)
Sherman & Bal Photos-05 copy (1)
Sherman_Balhoff_Ortho_051
request a complimentary consult

Stop Scrolling &
Start Smiling

Your first 60-minute initial consultation is complimentary and will consist of an extensive examination and diagnosis for potential treatment.
Get Started

patient testimonials

Every Smile Tells a Story

We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
The absolute best! We were recommended by my children’s dentist and the office was directly next door (Prairieville location). The entire office staff is amazing and very personable which... had me sold from the consultation. My son started treatment in Aug 2024 and so did I Dec 2024. The reviews definitely match the experience and I’d recommend over and over again!!read more
Davia W.
We just started, but so far I have been satisfied every step of the way.
Tasha L.
Love these guys. Professional, kind, and efficient.
Julie D.
Everyone was so nice. I would recommend Sherman and Balhoff to anyone!!!!
Mary J.
I am so excited to have started my treatment plan with Sherman & Balhoff! Very responsive, helpful. The office staff is great. Don’t put it off…call them today.
Lynn H.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've... made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.read more
Carly D.
Best office in town! Sherman and Balhoff always put the patient first from small wait times to patient care. I wouldn't take my kids (or myself!) anywhere else!
Lauren O.
Dr. Stephen Sherman is still incredible! I saw him for my braces in 2007 and he just put on my daughter’s this past December! He does great work and his staff is phenomenal! I would... recommend anyone to see this office for your orthodontic needs!read more
Sydney G.
Dr. David Baloff is my sons orthodontist. My son is deaf/hard of hearing. Dr. Balhoff always takes extra time to communicate with him and visit, above and beyond just his dental appt. Today... I called to reschedule my son’s appt. I had an ER visit and will be out of commission to bring him. The staff sent me a beautiful flower arrangement with a heartfelt, Get Well soon. I was blown away by the thoughtfulness. The doctors and staff are simply amazing and really do care about their patients and their patients family’s. You don’t find this type of care often. I am truly thankful and blessed.read more
Terri B.
The owners go above and beyond for the care of their patients.
Todd B.
Awesome service
Courtney H.
I recently completed my second go-round with braces (my first was many years ago as a teenager), as a 60 year old patient of S&B.I want to express my most sincere appreciation for the... results I see when I look in the mirror...the results have exceeded my expectations.Additionally, I was very impressed with the way I was treated (as a patient) each and every time I had an appointment.Yet, I believe one of the most impactful (and unexpected) memories of this journey was the way I felt each time I left the building (at the end of each appointment.) With no exception, each time I was there, I felt a genuine teamwork atmosphere. To the person, they not only expressed care for me (the patient) but they expressed care for each other (the employee.)Thank you, S&B, for not only leaving me with a visual example of success but, moreover, an emotional example of success.read more
Scott D.
Very friendly & caring. Would recommended to anyone
Janell H.
Everyone was super friendly and well informed. So glad we picked them!
Lindsay H.
From ole college roommate to prestigious orthodontist 🦷. Glad to have a friend and Dr in David Balhoff. Great person and the 🌎 World is a better place with him.
Charles J.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Allison K.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing... because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.read more
Dana G.
Loved every moment of my visit. They're all so nice & sweet. Dr Balhoff made sure I was good as he was doing my braces
Lacasey
Staff was very helpful and friendly.
Angela C.
Amazing staff and doctors!
Patty C.
‹
›
js_loader

smile stories

Read More

four convenient locations

come visit us

You don’t need an excuse to smile more, but we would like to give you a few extra reasons! We have four locations for your convenience, and each of them have friendly doctors and teams ready to serve you. We can’t wait to meet you!

Prairieville

Central

Baton Rouge

Addis

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

Addis

Addis

Prairieville

Prairieville

Central

Central
see you soon

Locations

  • BATON ROUGE8311 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • ADDIS6715 LA Highway 1 S.Addis, LA 70710
  • PRAIRIEVILLE14154 LA Hwy. 73Prairieville, LA 70769
  • CENTRAL14465 Wax Rd.Central, LA 70818

Phone

  • (225) 769-1276

Office Hours

Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:10am – 4:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm (Admin Only)
Sherman Desktop
Complimentary Consult
Quick Links
Main Menu
  • Our Practice
  • Orthodontics
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
Contact Us
  • Addis
  • Baton Rouge
  • Central
  • Prairieville
  • (225) 769-1276
Follow Us
Facebook-square Instagram Youtube
American association orthodontics
abo
cleft

© Copyright 2025 Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Accessibility

Marketing & Web Design by HIP Creative

Obtain Your Dream Smile
  • 300 down
  • 179 per month
Get Started