Maybe you’ve heard that your smile is the first thing people notice. So, nobody can blame you for thinking the main benefit of straight teeth is how they benefit someone’s appearance. The truth is straight teeth have advantages that go beyond skin-deep. They can actually improve your health. Keep reading to learn from an orthodontist how valuable properly aligned teeth really are.
Increase the Effectiveness of Brushing and Flossing
When teeth are misaligned, there are more nooks and crannies for plaque and oral bacteria to potentially survive your oral health regimen. That would increase your risk of developing cavities. With straightened teeth, these “hiding places” are eliminated to make brushing and flossing more effective.
Boost Your Speaking Abilities
When someone has speech issues like a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, something as simple as orthodontic treatment could be the answer. Your teeth work with your tongue to produce various sounds. Due to the position of certain teeth, you might not be able to make a given sound the way other people do. When your teeth are aligned, you’ll notice a change in your speech.
Aid Your Digestion
Whether genetics or orthodontic treatment gets you to a straight smile, the result regarding eating is that it’s easier to chew your food. In turn, your body can more efficiently digest it to absorb more nutrients and avoid the gastrointestinal issues that can result from poorly chewed food.
Make Life Easier on Your Teeth, Gums, and Jaw
A misaligned bite due to crooked and crowded teeth can gradually cause problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which limits the movement of your jaws and causes pain. Crooked teeth are a leading cause of teeth grinding, especially at night. Not only could these issues necessitate you to see an emergency dentist, but they can also create discomfort for you daily. In this respect, straightening your teeth provides pain relief.
On the surface, straight teeth may just seem like part of a pretty face, but they are more valuable than that. Now that you’ve learned from an orthodontist just how much they matter, you can begin your journey to a high-functioning smile!
About the Author
Dr. Stan Drabik has strived to improve the grins of his patients for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate at the University at Buffalo before obtaining his orthodontic certificate at Boston University. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. If you are interested in straightening your smile, he offers traditional orthodontics, Invisalign, and more. You can schedule a consultation on his website or call (585) 872-4660.