Have you always dreamt of having a beautifully straight smile? Because straight teeth are considered more attractive, many people think of orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and braces as purely cosmetic procedures. In reality, the alignment of your teeth can play a huge role in your overall oral health. Why are straight teeth important? Let’s explore how the straightness (or crookedness) of your teeth can impact your gum health, your confidence, and more.
Why Are Straight Teeth Important?
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean.
When you brush your teeth, it’s important that you clean all of their outer surfaces: the tops, fronts, and backs. And when you floss your teeth, it’s essential that you guide the floss to clean between each tooth thoroughly. This sounds easy enough, but maneuvering a toothbrush or floss around misaligned teeth can be tricky. Plus, because you should be brushing twice a day and flossing once a day (i.e., very frequently), poor dental habits can quickly cause major problems. If your teeth are crooked, you may need to spend more time carefully cleaning them to ensure you hit every bit of the enamel.
Straight teeth are less likely to trap bacteria and develop decay.
When teeth are crooked, their misalignment can create little nooks and crannies that can trap bacteria and food debris. As it’s difficult to reach those spots with a toothbrush or floss, the likelihood of that bacteria developing into decay is higher than it would be otherwise. This can lead to plaque, which can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Is it any surprise that crooked teeth increase your risk of developing gum disease and cavities?
Straight teeth reduce the chance of a misaligned bite.
Teeth are meant to fit together in a certain way, and if they don’t fit together properly, they can’t do their job. Misaligned teeth can contribute to a misaligned bite, which can cause your teeth to grind against each other. This can lead to wear and tear and can also cause jaw issues, such as TMJ, or even headaches and migraines. Some evidence suggests that jaw position can even cause sleep issues, like sleep apnea. Remember that misaligned teeth aren’t the only issue at play; a misaligned jaw can also cause a variety of health problems.
Straight teeth may improve your speech.
Your teeth impact the way in which you speak. For example, if your teeth are protruding, crowded, or contain gaps, they may influence your speaking patterns. Straightening your teeth can remove these issues and may improve your speech.
Straight teeth may increase your confidence.
It’s a basic fact that people tend to find straight teeth more attractive. And if you believe that you look good, you’re more likely to feel good! Having straight teeth can increase your self-confidence and may lead you to smile more freely. If you’re tired of covering your mouth with your hand when you laugh, a teeth-straightening treatment could be well worth the investment.
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Clearly straight aren’t just aesthetically beneficial. They can make a dramatic difference in your dental health. Whether you have issues with crowding, spacing, or misalignment, consider talking to your dentist about how this might be impacting your overall oral health. In some cases, investing in a teeth-straightening treatment can save you money, stress, and discomfort in the long run.
If you’re interested in straightening your teeth with Invisalign, contact Wilkinson Dental if you live in or near Springfield, MO. We use Invisalign to correct overcrowded teeth, misaligned teeth, gapped teeth, and bite problems, including overbite, open bite, crossbite, and underbite. Check out these before-and-after photos. Finally, to schedule your complimentary consultation, please give us a call at 417-708-0556 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!