A smile is worth a thousand words. And you deserve to make it a masterpiece. Aligning your teeth is not solely for aesthetic purposes. A healthy straight smile can have a major impact on our lives. It can boost our overall health, self-esteem and even enhance our social interactions.
In this article, we will explore the various benefits of teeth straightening, and why is it important to invest in a gorgeous smile.
Five Health Benefits Of Straightening Teeth
There are several health benefits of having straight teeth. If you’re curious as to why you should invest in aligning your teeth, keep reading.
Good Oral Hygiene
When teeth are not properly aligned, there are often areas between the teeth that are inaccessible to the bristles of toothbrushes or even dental floss. Therefore, even if you practice adequate oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice a day after every meal, it is very likely that food particles will be stuck between your teeth, which will result in tooth decay and infections.
Properly aligned teeth allow for more effective mouth cleaning, minimizing the risk of tooth cavities.
Improving Self-Esteem and Confidence
People who smile more often are generally considered to be more attractive and happier. Misaligned or crooked teeth can affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence. People with imperfect teeth are much less likely to smile because they are embarrassed by the appearance of their smile. Straight teeth can restore this confidence, and you will soon find that you love to smile.
Bite Improvement
When the upper and lower teeth and molars don’t fit together properly, i.e., when there is a malocclusion, the chewing muscles are overworked, and tension is transferred to the jaw and supporting muscles. This can cause pain and dislocation in the jaw, as well as contractures in the upper back and even pain in the neck, ears, and head.
Orthodontic treatments also improve contact between teeth, spreading the effort of adjustment between all the parts so that the oral muscles are not overloaded and all these adverse effects are avoided. Another benefit associated with good occlusion is improved digestion, as a more efficient bite means that food is chewed better and reaches the stomach better, broken down, and digested.
Less Wear & Tear
If your teeth are not straight, they can cause a number of unexpected problems for you. Firstly, due to excessive pressure and lack of cleanliness, they are generally weaker. As a result, they are more susceptible to cracks, chips, and fractures. This damage is not only unsightly. It also increases your risk of developing periodontal disease. This could result in expensive dental work in the future.
If your teeth are properly aligned, you can bite and chew without any problems. However, people who have problems with their bite end up putting an excessive amount of pressure on their teeth.
Benefitting Overall Health
Straight teeth aren’t just about a pretty smile – they could help you stay healthier! Oral health even impacts your heart health and can cause heart problems, and gum disease may lead to cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that poor oral health can lead to endocarditis, and there’s a link between gum problems and lung cancer, too. Straight teeth can play a role in preventing these serious medical issues, contributing to a longer and healthier life.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Get My Teeth Straightened?
Leaving your crooked teeth untreated isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It can lead to some serious problems in the future. Misaligned teeth can trap food and plaque, making them harder to clean and increasing your risk of developing cavities and gum diseases.
This inflammation can weaken and even cause the gums to recede, exposing the delicate roots of your teeth and possibly leading to bone loss. The pressure of overcrowding can also damage surrounding teeth, causing them to loosen, shift, or even break.
In addition, crooked teeth can worsen existing problems such as jaw pain and bite problems. This can lead to difficulty chewing, headaches, and even TMJ dysfunction. Don’t underestimate the importance of straight teeth – they’re not just for appearance; they’re essential for a healthy and functional smile.
Teeth Straightening Options to Improve Your Smile
If you want to have your teeth straightened, you will need to see an orthodontist and have orthodontic treatment. No matter what kind of misaligned teeth you have, there are options available to help you fix them. Here are some options:
- Traditional Braces: Traditional braces involve brackets and wires, usually made out of metal, which are attached to the teeth and allow their positioning to be altered as required. They require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw. They usually take 18 to 24 months, but it depends on how complicated your case is.
- Clear Aligners: Clear Aligners are transparent plastic shells that are designed to gradually move your teeth into the correct position. They are easily removable and much less noticeable than traditional braces. The length of treatment can vary but is usually around a year or slightly longer. If you’re looking for clear aligners, Aligner Experts is a great option. Our mission is to provide access to highly personalized treatment options supported by digital workflow and industry-leading specialists with a commitment to personalized care, advanced technology, and phenomenal results.
- Hidden Braces: This option is still technically braces. However, hidden braces are attached to the back of your teeth. Hidden or lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces but are still a viable option.
- Porcelain Veneers: Another alternative to straightening your front teeth is a set of porcelain veneers. This can be used to cover up minor imperfections in your front teeth. A veneer is a thin shell that your dentist makes to fit over the top of your tooth. Each shell is permanently bonded to your tooth but doesn’t change the shape of your tooth. Instead, veneers are used to minimize gaps, hide discoloration, and repair chips on your teeth.
Why are Clear Aligners a Better Option for Teeth Straightening?
It’s never too late to get the confidence that you lost back. Align you life and empower your life with Aligner Experts today! We are dedicated to providing access to highly customizable treatment options backed by digital workflow and industry leading specialists with a commitment to personalized care, advanced technology, and phenomenal results.
Contact us today to know more!
