Is Straightening Your Teeth Really Worth It?

Straight teeth may seem like something you do for cosmetic purposes, but there are actually a few reasons that you should consider it. If you weren’t able to straighten your teeth as a child or are debating having your teeth get treatment for straighter teeth, here are some reasons it’s a good idea.

Reduce Cavity Risk

Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing tooth decay. If you want to avoid cavities, you should be brushing your teeth and flossing regularly and thoroughly. However, when you have teeth that overlap or are crooked, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to floss and brush correctly. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and cavity free.

Prevent Wear and Tear

When your teeth are misaligned, they tend to become worn down over time. This will happen to all teeth, but those with crooked teeth will usually grind down just one or two teeth. Grinding your teeth can also cause problems with chips and cracks, but properly aligned teeth are less likely to develop these issues.

Increase Confidence

Your confidence will greatly increase when you feel better about smiling. Instead of hiding crooked teeth behind your hand or lips, you can show off your smile easily. To those who have never dealt with self confidence issues, this may sound minor, but if you’ve dealt with this issue, it’s a big problem. Raising your confidence level is certainly worth it.

Improve Gum Health

Your gums will also benefit from straighter teeth, since you can brush them easier. It’s simpler to remove plaque, which can cause gum disease if trapped between teeth. Good oral hygiene can also prevent gum problems, so it’s a good idea to improve it where possible.

Chew Your Food Better

Misaligned teeth make eating a pain, literally. They may not match up well enough to properly masticate your food, which can result in a choking hazard and even jaw problems. There may be extra pressure on the temporomandibular joint, (TMJ), and this can cause pain through the face, head, neck, and even shoulders. Properly aligned teeth will help prevent this issue and keep you healthy and able to chew well.



Keep Your Jaw Healthy

In addition to preventing TMJ issues, straightening your teeth can help improve your jaw health. This is due to the fact that problematic spacing and extra stress from teeth being misaligned has an impact on the jawbone. The extra stress can actually cause your bone to start breaking down. Over time, this can actually result in the loss of some of your teeth.

Aligning your teeth is important at any age. While it’s best to do this while young you can straighten your teeth at any age and experience benefits from it.

Interested in straightening your teeth? Contact Acorn Dental today to make your appointment.