Many opt for orthodontic treatment to achieve straighter teeth, mainly for aesthetic purposes. However, straight teeth have even more benefits than this.
What do straight teeth have to offer besides a beautiful smile?
#1 Decreases the potential for dental emergencies such as chipped teeth
Crowded teeth or teeth orientated in ways that stick out more than usual have a higher potential to be injured. Conversely, straighter teeth have a lower risk of suffering from such dental emergencies. Generally, this is due to their better placement in the mouth.
#2 Reduces the risk of tooth wear
A straighter alignment of the teeth makes for less risk of abnormal tooth wear. Conversely, teeth that are very crooked have a higher chance of tooth wear due to unnatural chewing habits and the position of the teeth that increase the rubbing between the top and bottom teeth.
#3 Decreases headaches and neck pain
Jaw misalignment or crooked teeth can often increase the risk of neck pain and headaches because of the stress they place in the mouth, and thus, on the nerves in the surrounding areas. However, having straighter teeth provides less stress on the gums and less head and neck pain.
#4 Makes the teeth easier to clean
Having severely misaligned teeth can be challenging to brush and floss. In addition, many spots may be missed when brushing misaligned teeth due to their placement in the mouth. Straighter teeth are much easier to floss, brush, and generally maintain. In turn of having easier to clean teeth, teeth are also healthier as a whole.
#5 Allows for healthier gums
Gapped or crowded teeth often accompany red, inflamed gums or gum (periodontal) disease symptoms.
#6 Reduces the chance of tooth decay and other oral-related issues
Overall, crooked or incorrectly spaced teeth are more likely to display oral issues such as cavities, plaque, and tartar due to their position in the mouth. However, these issues are less likely to occur with straighter, properly-aligned teeth as cleanings and maintenance are easier.
In general, those who have properly spaced teeth have less oral bacteria thanks to a better placement in the mouth. In turn, having straighter teeth may very well save you dental costs in the near and far future.
#7 Improves one’s self-esteem
There’s no doubt that straighter teeth can increase one’s self-esteem. One is more likely to laugh and smile with their teeth and generally feel more confident with the way they look with straighter teeth as well.
A simple misalignment of the teeth can cause one to be ashamed of the appearance of their teeth. However, opting for braces or Invisalign may be the very thing that gives them a boost in how they feel appearance-wise.