Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile in photos or when you look in the mirror? You’re not alone. About one in three orthodontic patients are adults. More people are investing in improving their smiles. Learning how to straighten teeth isn’t only for aesthetic purposes, though! Read on to discover the benefits of perfectly straight teeth.
After reading this guide, you can determine if it’s time to begin orthodontic treatment.
Table of Contents
Avoid Tooth Decay
Leaving gaps between your teeth gives bacteria and food particles more space to hide. Bacteria, saliva, and food particles can mix to form plaque. Plaque is the tacky, clear substance that sticks to your teeth.
When your teeth aren’t straight, it can become more difficult to brush and floss them. Unfortunately, plaque could form as a result of inadequate brushing.
Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which will release acid. You could develop cavities, even if you’re caring for teeth daily.
Getting straight teeth can reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Strengthening your teeth will give food particles fewer places to hide. You’ll have an easier time brushing and flossing for a healthy smile.
Reducing your risk of tooth decay can help you avoid future oral health issues. Otherwise, the infection from a decayed tooth can spread through your bloodstream. Improving your dental hygiene with treatment can help you save time and money in the future.
Dodge Gum Disease
Remember, having crooked teeth can make it more difficult to maintain proper dental hygiene. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria can also increase your risk of gingivitis (gum disease).
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Gums that recede from your teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Pain when chewing
- Loose teeth
Gingivitis can also increase your risk of other health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. Gum disease won’t go away on its own. You’ll need to schedule scaling and root planing treatment to remove tartar from below your gum line.
Getting straight teeth can reduce your risk of gingivitis. You can close the gaps in your smile, making it easier to brush and floss. As your dental hygiene improves, you’ll reduce your risk of other complications.
Stop Grinding
You might start grinding your teeth if they’re not in proper alignment. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can cause:
- Broken or loose fillings
- Worth teeth
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Popping noises when you move your jaw
- Sensitivity
- Loose or broken teeth
You can develop bruxism due to stress. Excessive drinking, smoking, and caffeine can also increase your risk. If you’ve started grinding your teeth at night, learn how to straighten teeth with orthodontics.
Beginning treatment will straighten your smile. Since you have to wear your aligners overnight, you’ll also protect your teeth from bruxism.
Talk to a dentist if you’ve experienced jaw strain in the past few months. It’s possible bruxism caused a jaw alignment issue. You may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
A TMJ disorder can cause dizziness,
headaches, and other health issues.
Without treatment, you might have issues sleeping through the night. Inadequate sleep can affect your ability to function during the day. It can also increase your risk of chronic health issues.
If you’re having trouble sleeping due to bruxism or sleep apnea, consider beginning treatment.
With Invisalign treatment, you won’t have to worry about metal brackets or wires. Invisalign aligners are clear and discrete. You can take them out for eating, drinking, and caring for teeth before bed.
Prepare for Implants
After losing a tooth, the surrounding teeth can begin leaning toward the gap. Your teeth will look crooked. You’ll also develop issues with your bite. A dental implant can restore your smile. However, you’ll need to straighten your teeth first. Getting straight teeth with Invisalign will prepare your mouth for dental implants. An implant can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. If you don’t seek treatment after losing a tooth, however, you could develop other issues.
Chew and Digest
Crooked teeth can make it more difficult to thoroughly chew your favorite foods. You shouldn’t swallow food in large chunks. Otherwise, your digestive system will have to work twice as hard to break those foods down.
You might start experiencing digestive issues.
Straightening your teeth with orthodontics can improve your digestive health. You’ll have an easier time chewing your favorite foods. With treatment, you won’t have to cut out foods that are difficult to eat due to your crooked teeth.
Improved Confidence
One of the top benefits of having straight teeth is their ability to boost your self-confidence. Straightening your smile can encourage you to smile more often. Your body will produce more feel-good hormones like serotonin. You’ll notice a change in your mood and outlook on life.
Meanwhile, smiling more often will help you appear friendly and approachable. You’ll feel more comfortable in social settings, too. Gaining more self-confidence might even encourage you to take social risks in life.
For example, you might go after a job interview. You might have enough confidence to ask a stranger out!
If you’re unhappy with your smile and started hiding your teeth as a result, look into orthodontic treatment.
Get Perfect Straight Teeth With Orthodontics
Having perfect straight teeth won’t only benefit your appearance. It can also improve your dental hygiene and overall health. Consider these benefits of a healthy smile before seeking treatment.
With Invisalign, you can straighten your smile and avoid health issues down the line. Searching for more tips? You’re on the right blog.
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