Take a look around you, and there are probably very few people who have naturally straight teeth. An overwhelming number of people go through cosmetic dentistry to get perfectly straight teeth so they can look and feel their best.
You might think that cosmetic dentistry is done purely for aesthetic reasons. But did you know that straight teeth don’t just have cosmetic benefits? In fact, they’re extremely helpful to your health.
Curious about hearing what these health benefits are? Below are 8 advantages you can get by having straight teeth.
1. Less Jaw Strain
When your teeth and jaw are misaligned, this can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Not only do these disorders cause pain and discomfort in your jaw, but they have other unpleasant effects, such as headaches, ear issues, dizziness, and neck and shoulder pain.
By getting straight teeth and fixing alignment issues, you’ll see all the above issues go away. As a result, your quality of life will dramatically improve and you’ll have less pain to deal with.
2. Fewer Cavities
You might brush your teeth twice a day and floss after every meal. But every time you go to the dentist, there are new cavities!
While cavities can be due to genetic predisposition, crooked teeth can contribute to a higher cavity risk as well. This is because they’re harder to clean, which can leave pockets of bacteria in your mouth.
When you have straight teeth, you’ll be able to get every nook and cranny better. And because of this, you’ll save yourself some money since you won’t have as many cavities to fill!
3. Lower Chance of Gum Disease
On that note, when it’s difficult to brush your teeth, it can also be challenging to take care of your gums. If you’ve noticed that your gums are swollen, red, and/or bleed when you brush them, it’s very likely that you have periodontal disease.
You shouldn’t take this lightly either. Not only is periodontal disease bad for your mouth (it can lead to bone loss), but your entire body. If left untreated, the issues can cause more serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
So having straight teeth is more than simply getting a better look. It can help immensely with your overall health.
4. Better Speech
For some people, their teeth might be so crooked that it’s hard to speak clearly. Or they might be so embarrassed about their teeth that they develop speech impediments to hide these imperfections. This can make communication difficult and even frustrating.
By having your teeth straightened, this can quickly improve your speech so you’re speaking clearer. When people can understand you better, you’ll have a much easier time and you’ll be less stressed out. Another benefit is you’ll become more confident since people will understand you on the first try.
5. An Easier Time Eating
Is eating tough to do because of your crooked teeth? You might dread mealtimes because you’re always lagging behind everyone else. Not to mention, it might be uncomfortable or even painful to eat.
Getting your teeth straightened can fix these issues. When your teeth are perfectly aligned in your jaw, you’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods again with no issue.
On that note, this should also improve your digestion. When you’re able to chew your food more effectively, it’ll pass into your stomach for better digestion. If you’ve always struggled with stomach issues like indigestion, you’ll probably see an improvement here.
6. Protection Against Deterioration
Even if we take the best care possible for our teeth, they’ll eventually start to break down due to wear and tear. Misalignment will cause excess wear and tear, which means your teeth can become weak prematurely.
In fact, if it’s serious enough, your teeth might even break, especially if you grind your teeth at night. And once that happens, you might have to be fitted with things like dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
7. Less Pain and Better Quality of Life
As you already know, misaligned teeth can cause neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Not only that, but it can be painful to eat your meals too.
When you have chronic pain, this can have a lasting impact on your day-to-day life. You might be restricted in what activities you can do and feel like you’re constantly suffering.
Straightening your teeth can eliminate chronic pain and make you feel like you have a new lease on life. You’ll be able to tackle the things you want to do and enjoy your days much more.
8. Better Self-Confidence
Earlier, we mentioned that straight teeth can give you better self-confidence through better speech. But overall, it can skyrocket just from knowing you have better teeth!
Not only will you be able to speak better, but you’ll also be able to eat and smile without worry. Previously, all that stress can lead to anxiety and even depression. But by having dazzling teeth, you’ll be able to increase your self-esteem and better your mental health.
Get Perfectly Straight Teeth
Now that you know all about the health benefits of perfectly straight teeth, you should get started on your teeth straightening journey. This is especially true if your crooked teeth are causing you discomfort and you want to do something about it.
So have a chat with your dentist to see what the best options are for you. Together, you can figure out the best plan moving forward and get you on the road to beautiful and healthy straight teeth!
For the best dentist in Houston, TX, get in touch with us now. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry and can help you get the perfect smile you deserve.