Are braces purely a tool for improving appearance?

No: While having braces usually improves appearance, the real goal is to improve function of the teeth and jaws. Correectly aligned teeth appear to reduce periodontal disease also.

Braces: No. Braces are also used to improve bad bites. It is true that braces are used to improve appearance but we must not neglect the benefits of a good healthy bite.

Actually, no: Orthodontic treatment "braces" are certainly used to improve the esthetic appearance of smiles, but there is much more. Improving the fit of your bite, the way teeth mesh (or don't), etc. Although the process is elective, the benefits can be substantial and never count out how important esthetics are to us in daily life.