Straight teeth are often part of an attractive smile, and many people seek orthodontic treatment solely for that reason. But did you know that the benefits of straight teeth go far beyond aesthetics? They can play a role in both your oral and overall wellness, leading to a better quality of life. Let’s discuss some specific ways in which they do that.
Better Digestion
Digestion starts in the mouth. Thoroughly chewing your food makes it easier for your body to extract nutrients from your meals, and it can prevent stomach upset and similar issues. Straight teeth are much better at chewing than misaligned ones.
Lower Risk of Cavities and Bad Breath
Misaligned teeth, particularly when they are overcrowded, are prone to trap food particles and bacteria between them. Even if you stick to a diligent oral hygiene routine, your toothbrush and floss might still miss spots of debris in your mouth. The longer that debris stays, the more likely it is that it will contribute to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean.
Fewer TMJ Problems
TMJ disorder (TMD) is a complex problem that can have many causes. One possible cause is a misaligned bite, which can place extra stress on your jaw joint. In turn, you may experience difficulty chewing, headaches, neck aches, and a slew of other symptoms. Many people find that after they complete orthodontic treatment, their TMD becomes less severe or vanishes altogether.
Lower Risk of Tooth Breakage
Misaligned teeth may hit one another at odd angles, increasing the risk that they will cause mutual damage. Straight teeth, on the other hand, have a harmonious bite that allows all the teeth to work together as they should, which means there is a decreased risk of breaks, chips, and other types of mechanical damage.
Improved Confidence
A study from 2017 concluded, “Dis-satisfaction with dental appearance is a strong predictor for low self esteem. It was found that various dental disorders like malocclusion… cause a profound impact on aesthetics and psychosocial behaviour of adolescents thus, affecting their self esteem.” If the appearance of your misaligned teeth is adversely affecting the way you view yourself, straightening your smile via orthodontic treatment may have a positive impact on your mental health.
Clearer Speech
Clear speech depends on complex interactions between the tongue and teeth. Misaligned teeth may contribute to a lisp and other speech abnormalities. Fortunately, many people who undergo orthodontic treatment notice improvements in their speech within several months.
Straight teeth look good — but that’s just the beginning of the advantages they offer. Why not visit your local orthodontist to learn more about how treatment might be able to benefit you?
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and the team at Columbus Orthodontic Center enjoy helping patients achieve improved health through orthodontic treatment. We offer a broad range of services, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and more. To learn more about orthodontia and how it may benefit you, contact us at 614-549-5835.
