Our teeth play a significant role in our appearance and are usually one of the first things people see when they look at us. However, there are instances where teeth can be crooked or misaligned, requiring straightening. These occur due to poor tooth development, crowding, jaw shape and size, accidents, and many other reasons. Fortunately, there are numerous procedures your dentist can perform to help straighten your teeth. While the most apparent reasons for teeth straightening are usually cosmetic, here are several other reasons to consider getting your teeth straightened.
Easier Dental Care
When it comes to oral hygiene, straight teeth are easier to care for and clean than crooked teeth. This is because plaque and tartar can build up in the nooks and crannies of crooked and crowded teeth, making them more challenging to remove with a toothbrush. In addition, flossing can also be more challenging when teeth are misaligned. As a result, people with crooked teeth may be more likely to develop gum disease and cavities.
Boost Self-Confidence
A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about others and can be a significant confidence booster. Misaligned teeth are a major cause of insecurity which can easily lead to anxiety and other mental health issues. Dentists can easily fix misaligned teeth through procedures like Invisalign® treatments in North Vancouver, BC, and other areas depending on where you are.
Easier to Chew
When teeth are correctly aligned, they can more effectively chew food, which helps the digestive process. In addition, straight teeth are less likely to trap food particles, which can lead to plaque build-up and tooth decay.
Minimize Jaw Pain and Strain
When teeth are misaligned, it can strain muscles and joints in the jaw, leading to pain and discomfort. Teeth straightening can help to alleviate this strain and improve dental function. In addition, teeth straightening can help prevent or alleviate other problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). By improving the alignment of the teeth, these conditions can be effectively treated, preventing further damage to the teeth.
Improve Speech
When teeth are crooked or misaligned, it can cause speech impairments such as lisps, distortion of sounds, and whistling sounds. These speech impairments can occur from misaligned teeth or behaviors that may develop while attempting to hide the teeth. By aligning the teeth, speech problems can be corrected or improved.
Preserve Teeth
One advantage of teeth straightening is that it can help preserve your teeth, making them last longer. When teeth are correctly aligned, the enamel has less wear and tear. In addition, straight teeth are less likely to suffer from decay, as food and plaque are less likely to build up in difficult-to-reach areas.
Improve Sleep Quality
One way to improve sleep quality is to straighten your teeth. The link between sleep and crooked teeth is that people with crooked teeth are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. By straightening your teeth, you can help prevent sleep apnea and improve overall sleep quality.
Teeth straightening is not just about achieving a perfect smile; it can also positively impact oral and overall health. It can help make your teeth easier to clean, which can help prevent plaque and tartar build-up, which cause gum disease or even tooth loss. Straightening can also boost confidence, improve sleep quality, minimize jaw pain, improve digestion, and repair speech impediments.
