You don’t need a cosmetic dentists to tell you that there is significant cultural value in straight teeth and a bright smile. Consider this: almost three-quarters of adults feel that an unattractive smile can seriously hurt their career success, and 99.7% of adults believe that a healthy smile is socially important.
But did you know that are also health benefits to having a straight and aligned set of pearly whites? Check some of them out below:
Easier to Clean, Therefore Less Disease-Prone
Straight teeth are a lot easier to brush and floss than crooked or overlapped teeth, which trap food particles and bacteria much more easily. Toothbrushes can never quite reach certain nooks and crannies created by uneven teeth. However, having straight teeth will drastically lower your risk for gum disease, which itself can lead to heart disease, and has even been known to contribute to diabetes.
Keeps Your Jawbone Healthy
Believe it or not, but when there are gaps in your teeth, the jawbone around them becomes weaker and can lead to possible further tooth loss. This circular feedback loop could lead to some seriously bad news for the overall structure of your jaw.
Better Digestion
Straight teeth are better at chewing than crooked teeth, and chewing is the first part of good digestion. When chewing becomes a chore, most people don’t realize that they aren’t getting the most out of their food and are putting a strain on their digestive systems.
Clearer Speech
Gaps and misalignments in the teeth and jaw can create slurs, whistles, and trouble with enunciation for some. These problems are fully reversible with teeth straightening procedures, and clearer speech can lead to an increase in confidence and happiness.
Fewer Headaches
Alignment issues can contribute to teeth grinding and bad bites, which also lead to headaches that keep you awake at night. Other conditions, like temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can also be partially alleviated by straight teeth.
Just because you are an adult, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to reap the rewards of a straight smile. Most people wait three years to go to the dentist, but this is one health appointment you shouldn’t delay. Instead of putting it off, consult your local dentist to discuss the many teeth straightening options available to you, from dental implants to Invisalign and other forms of cosmetic dentistry.
Don’t give up on your smile now — you have tons of time to let it shine.
