The Benefits of Straight Teeth
Most people associate straight teeth with a beautiful smile and a boost of self-confidence. And while straight teeth are aesthetically appealing, they have more to offer. Discover some health benefits of straight teeth and how to achieve them.
Straight Teeth Boost Your Digestion
If your teeth are crowded or misaligned, you cannot always chew food properly. Consequently, poorly chewed food can cause indigestion and other digestive issues.
Straight teeth, on the other hand, give your intestines and the stomach an easier time during digestion. As a result, you get all the nutrients your body needs and are less prone to stomach issues.
Therefore, if you have crooked teeth, consider fixing them not only for aesthetic reasons but also for your digestive health.
Straight Teeth Prevent Gum Disease
When your teeth are misaligned, plaque and tartar can quickly build up in the nooks and crannies, which causes gum inflammation. If you don't rectify the problem sooner, plaque buildup may eventually lead to gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease.
Gingivitis, which manifests as swollen and bleeding gums, can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that can destroy the bones that support your teeth.
To prevent gum disease, practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Also, get orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and make them easier to clean.
Straight Teeth Reduce Risk of Jaw and Face Pain
If your teeth are misaligned, you may clench or grind your teeth more than usual. When you grind your teeth, you strain your jaw muscles, which can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is a condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints that control your jaw. The issue can debilitate you that you can't eat, speak, and even sleep peacefully.
In the same way, misaligned teeth can also lead to face pain. The reason is that crooked teeth can cause a misalignment in the jaw, which then leads to tension headaches and migraines.
Consult your orthodontist to establish if you are fit for teeth straightening. The specialist will establish the best option between braces and Invisalign to reduce the strain on your jaw muscles and prevent TMD.
Straight Teeth Reduce Chances of Sleep Apnea
While this may seem unrelated, the position of your teeth significantly impacts your breathing. For example, if you have crowded teeth,
the problem may cause a blockage in your airway, which then leads to respiratory problems such as sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop to breathe for short periods during sleep. The issue can happen multiple times throughout the night, which distracts your sleep and makes you feel tired during the day. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.
Orthodontic treatment can help improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw, which can reduce the risk of sleep apnea and other respiratory problems.
Straight Teeth Make You Look Younger
While this benefit is primarily aesthetic, a youthful look is still worth recognition. Crooked teeth can make you look older, while straight teeth can give you a more youthful appearance.
Therefore, talk to your orthodontist if you want a more youthful look. With today's technology advancements, the expert can advise you on the best treatment to help you turn back the hands of time.
While many benefits are available for straight teeth besides appearance, the above are just a few of the most notable ones. We have a range of orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign, and we will help you select one that suits your needs and budget. Contact us at Rosen Orthodontics to kick-start your journey to a healthier life.
