There is no doubt that straight, well-aligned teeth look good. After orthodontic treatment, you may discover a whole new level of confidence in your smile. But did you know that the advantages of straight teeth go far beyond aesthetics? In fact, aligning your teeth could have big benefits for your oral and overall health! Continue reading below to discover how orthodontic treatment might benefit your head-to-toe wellness.
Improved Digestion
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your digestive system. If your teeth are misaligned, you may swallow large pieces of food, which can place extra strain on your digestive organs and lead to indigestion and an upset stomach. In contrast, when your teeth are properly aligned, you can bite and chew your food more effectively. This allows you to break down food into smaller pieces, which lets your stomach and intestines process nutrients more efficiently and comfortably.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Crowded or crooked teeth often create tight spaces that are difficult to reach, leading to a higher risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Straight teeth make it much simpler for you to brush and floss all surfaces of your teeth. Therefore, it should become much easier for you to get rid of harmful plaque and greatly reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health conditions.
Clearer Speech
The way your teeth are positioned plays a significant role in your ability to form certain sounds. Misaligned teeth sometimes cause speech impediments such as lisps or slurred sounds. With straight teeth, your tongue can move freely and make contact with the proper surfaces, which supports crisp and clear pronunciation. You may find that you have much greater confidence as you are interacting with people at work and in social situations.
Fewer Aches and Pains
Crooked teeth can place uneven stress on your jaw muscles and joints. Over time, this imbalance may cause discomfort in your jaw, neck, head, and shoulders. You may even have ongoing symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD). Straightening your teeth helps your bite function more harmoniously, which can reduce strain on these areas and lead to long-term relief from TMD.
Less Mechanical Damage to Your Teeth
When your teeth are crooked or crowded, some areas experience more pressure than others during biting and chewing. This uneven distribution of force can cause premature wear, cracks, or chipping. You may also be prone to bruxism (grinding and clenching). With straight teeth, the forces are spread more evenly across your entire mouth. Therefore, you will be at a greatly reduced risk of various types of dental damage, and you may be less likely to engage in teeth grinding.
Straight teeth are beautiful and highly beneficial for your health! Consult with a qualified orthodontist if you are ready to find out how a well-aligned smile could improve your life.
Meet the Practice
Our three highly skilled orthodontists are proud to serve our local communities. Under their leadership, our team offers a range of services for patients of various ages, including Invisalign, traditional braces, and more. If you would like to learn how straightening your teeth might benefit you, we would love to welcome you in for a consultation. Contact our Windermere office at 678-879-3006.