You already know that having a straighter, brighter smile will improve your overall physical appearance, but straightening your teeth can do so much more for your health than simply giving you better-looking selfies. Straighter teeth can also improve your overall health as well.
Straight Teeth are Easier to Clean
Crowded or crooked teeth can be much trickier to clean properly, as it can be harder for your toothbrush to cover all of your teeth’s surface areas. In addition, flossing between overlapped teeth can be very difficult. Both of these factors could lead to the accumulation of unwanted plaque and bacteria, eventually causing decay, gum inflammation or even tooth loss. Straightening your teeth allows your oral routine to be more manageable and considerably reduces the chances of having any of these issues occur.
Improves Chewing
Misaligned teeth can cause difficulties with proper chewing. Straighter teeth will align your bite and will remove any gaps or overlaps that are present, therefore allowing you to fully chew your food down to a level where it is easier for your stomach to digest. Straighter teeth also allow for less food to be trapped in-between teeth and, in turn, fewer bacteria will build-up in those hard to reach areas. As an added perk, less food trapping and fewer bacteria build-ups provides you with fresher breath and can kick your sugar-free breath mint habit - which is often filled with unhealthy aspartame.
Speech Functions
In addition to chewing, straightening your teeth can improve your speech as well. Individuals with gapped or misaligned front teeth can often have awkward whistling noises when speaking, lisps or other speech hindrances. The use of orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth can facilitate clearer speech, which can tremendously benefit your self-confidence, your personal life, and even your career.
Healthier Gums
This one is fairly simple. When your teeth are straighter, your gums are healthier. Proper tooth alignment allows the gums to fit better around each tooth, which gives bacteria fewer places to hideout and thrive.
Prevents Premature Tooth Wear
A crowded mouth may cause teeth to rub against one another, especially when chewing. Over time, this can gradually wear down tooth enamel. Straighter teeth reduce the extra pressure placed on each tooth, preventing your teeth from wearing out prematurely.
For Improved Confidence and Happiness
Numerous studies have shown that having a straight smile is an important social asset and has a big impact on first impressions. Research also suggests that a better-looking smile increases confidence and even the amount of time you smile, which allows you to take advantage of all the health benefits smiling has to offer.
To learn more about the ways we help our patients get straighter smiles, please give us a call and we’d be happy to answer all of your questions!
