Have you considered straightening your smile with orthodontic treatment? You owe it to yourself to have nice, straight teeth! According to a study, almost 80% of patients who received orthodontic treatment felt that having straight teeth was a life-changing experience. And their self-confidence went way up!
But did you know that there are actual health benefits to straight teeth besides boosted self-esteem?
Straight Teeth = Healthy Bites
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the purpose of orthodontics is to create a healthy bite. Malocclusion occurs when teeth are out of alignment, misaligned, crooked, or crowded––preventing the jaws from meeting properly. If you have an abnormal bite, you could be at risk for several health problems, including:
- Tooth decay
- Uneven wear to tooth enamel
- Chips or cracking of protruding teeth during an injury
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues
To protect your smile and prevent future complications, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if they conclude that you have an abnormal bite that requires orthodontic treatment.
It’s Easier to Clean Straight Teeth
If your teeth are crooked or crowded, you may notice it’s challenging to get in those hard-to-reach spots with your toothbrush. Proper oral hygiene requires both brushing and flossing. Although you may be able to brush your teeth, skimping on flossing because you can’t reach certain spots will cause bacteria to accumulate in your mouth. Over time, your poor dental habits can contribute to tooth decay, and eventually gum disease.
Gum disease, if not treated properly can lead to:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Receding gums
- Red, irritated, bleeding gums
- Loss of teeth
A Healthy Smile Contributes to Your Overall Well Being
Here are two other ways a straight smile can improve your overall health:
Mental Health. Smiling makes us happy, and releases endorphins. If you opt for orthodontic treatment, you’ll definitely find yourself flashing a grin more often. In the dental profession, we see a lot of adolescents getting braces––usually because their adult teeth are finished growing in, but oftentimes it’s for self-esteem. Orthodontic treatment can also help adults look and feel younger! Your mental health is worth it!
Physical Health. Forgetting to brush your teeth every now and then might seem like a casual accident, but over time, poor dental habits have serious consequences. Neglecting your oral health can lead to bleeding gums caused by periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic diseases.
We’re all human, and we all make mistakes––especially when it comes to our oral health. However, we must remember that oral health, as insignificant as it may seem at times, sets the trajectory for our overall well being. In order to maintain adequate oral health we recommend scheduling routine visits with your dentist.
For more information, or to book an appointment, call Lecroy Dental today.