Benefits of an Aligned Smile

Orthodontic treatment is often perceived as just a cosmetic service. However, that could not be further from the truth! An aligned smile has far-reaching benefits that expand beyond aesthetics. Read on to learn about some of the hidden perks that come from a straight smile.

Healthier Teeth & Gums

Straight teeth not only look great but also improve oral health. Overlapped and crooked teeth can be challenging to clean properly. If plaque is not cleaned from the teeth within 48 hours, it hardens and transforms into tartar. While plaque can be eliminated by a toothbrush, tartar can only be removed by professional dental tools. Tartar buildup can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental conditions. An aligned smile has fewer places for plaque to hide, making it much easier to brush and floss your teeth effectively to eliminate plaque and avoid tartar buildup.

Improved Speech

Misalignments can be the root cause of speech impediments. The alignment of an individual's jaw and teeth can directly affect their ability to pronounce certain sounds. Orthodontic treatment has improved lisps, slurring, and difficulties pronouncing consonants for many patients. Speech impediments can be caused for various reasons, so not all will improve with orthodontic treatment. Consult your orthodontist and speech therapist if you are curious if an aligned smile could improve your speech.

Less Wear

Over time, the tooth enamel naturally wears down from chewing and other everyday maneuvers. However, misaligned teeth and jaws can put abnormal pressure on certain parts of the teeth, causing premature erosion. Additionally, misalignments can contribute to teeth grinding, which wears down the teeth at an extremely high rate. Enamel erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and other dental issues. Aligning the teeth and jaws can prevent abnormal wear and even cure some patients' nighttime grinding habit.

Relief from TMJ Disorders

Up to 12% of the population suffers from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly referred to as TMJ. TMJ patients experience extreme pain in the jaw, headaches, earaches, difficulties chewing, and tooth sensitivity. In some cases, TMJ is caused by misalignments of the bite or teeth. Orthodontic treatment can guide the teeth and jaws into their ideal positions, potentially alleviating ongoing TMJ symptoms.

Better Digestion

Orthodontic treatment closes gaps between teeth which improves chewing efficiencies. When the teeth are aligned it is easier to break down food into small pieces before it travels to the stomach. This promotes faster digestion since the body can spend less time breaking down the food in the stomach. Furthermore, people with straight teeth are also less likely to experience bloating, gas, and other digestion problems.

Create Space for Dental Restorations

Dental restorations reconstruct damaged or missing teeth to improve oral function and health. However, sometimes the alignment of the teeth can make it difficult to fit dental restorations in an ideal position. Orthodontic treatment can create the perfect amount of space in the mouth to provide an optimal fit for superior comfort and functionality.

Confidence Boost

As humans, we all have a natural desire to look our best. Crooked or gapped teeth are a source of insecurity for many individuals. It is common for people who are unhappy with their teeth to avoid smiling or cover their mouth when they do so. Orthodontic treatment allows people to smile without a second thought and boosts their confidence.

The benefits of a straight smile span much wider than just appearance. Schedule a consultation with us to learn how orthodontic treatment can benefit your smile and improve your overall health!