Besides the aesthetic benefits of teeth straightening, it also improves your oral health. Crooked teeth are more likely to attract food bits and create hard-to-reach areas where bacteria thrive.
Teeth straightening corrects malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, crossbites and gap teeth (diastema). Modern dentistry offers diverse tooth straightening treatments including braces and lingual orthodontic appliances.
1. Aesthetics
Most people will agree that straighter teeth are more appealing. This is one of the reasons why many choose to undergo treatment.
Teeth straightening is a common dental procedure that fixes misaligned teeth and bites. These irregularities can include an overbite, underbite, crossbite and gaps between teeth (diastema).
The most common method for straightening teeth is orthodontic braces. These use fixed metal brackets, archwire and elastic ligatures to gently guide your teeth into a more attractive position.
Other options for straightening teeth include dental bonding and veneers. These options aren’t as effective as orthodontics in correcting crooked teeth but can help to conceal any flaws, such as gaps or discoloration. This can be particularly useful for people who don’t qualify for free orthodontic treatment as part of the NHS.
2. Better Oral Hygiene
Crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Over time, these problems can lead to a downward spiral of plaque buildup, gingivitis, periodontitis and other oral complications.
A straight smile makes it easier to brush and floss, eliminating areas that can trap food bits and bacteria. This can help prevent a host of oral health issues, from tooth decay to chronic bad breath.
A healthy bite also helps to prevent serious jaw pain, strain and dysfunction. Straight teeth distribute the forces of chewing evenly across each tooth, reducing the risk of premature wear and tear. This can help avoid more serious complications like temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This can be extremely painful and lead to severe dental and medical issues.
3. Better Speech
Orthodontic treatment helps align crooked teeth, improving bite function & minimizing the risk of future problems such as cavities, gum disease & bone loss. It also promotes proper jaw development, reducing the risk of TMJ-related headaches & neck pain.
Straighter teeth are easier to brush & floss, reducing the risk of plaque & food buildup that leads to dental issues. They are also less prone to accidental tooth trauma from sports injuries or falls compared to protruding or misaligned teeth.
Crooked or crowded teeth can produce speech impediments such as whistling sounds & lisps. Teeth straightening can eliminate these speech concerns, enhancing communication in work & social situations. It can also improve chewing & digestion, ensuring proper nutrient absorption for optimal health. It may even reduce the risk of a variety of medical conditions related to poor nutrition or inadequate digestion.
4. Better Chewing
When teeth are crooked, it’s more difficult to chew properly. This can lead to problems with digestion because the food isn’t being digested efficiently. Straightening your teeth can help solve this problem and make eating much easier.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with straightening crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, deep bites, open bites, cross bites and teeth gaps (also known as diastema).
Though many people think of orthodontic treatment solely as a cosmetic procedure, it plays a major role in preventive dentistry. Having straight teeth makes it easier to brush and floss which reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues. It also improves your overall oral hygiene, giving you a healthy mouth that lasts a lifetime. The perks of having straight teeth go far beyond a beautiful smile.
5. Reduced Risk of Gum Disease
A straight smile doesn’t just look better, it also provides health benefits. A big reason is that it’s easier to keep your teeth clean.
Crooked and crowded teeth create spaces and crevices that are difficult to thoroughly brush or floss, which can lead to bacterial plaque buildup and gum disease. This can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath. The bacteria from bacterial plaque travels through the bloodstream and can affect your overall health by increasing your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
If you’re interested in getting a straighter smile, contact the experts at Newbury Dental Group today! We’ll help you achieve a healthier smile that looks and feels great. Call us or book your appointment online. We look forward to seeing you!