Orthodontics LA

6 Health Benefits of Having Straight Teeth

Posted on December 1, 2021

orthodontist

Straight teeth are not just for Hollywood stars. Straightening your teeth has many health benefits that you may not be aware of. With advances in dentistry like braces and Invisalign, straight teeth can be achieved through multiple orthodontic methods. Here are six important health benefits to having straight teeth.

1. Easier Chewing and Eating

When your teeth are crowded or crooked, chewing and eating can be much more difficult. These discomforts can discourage you from eating certain foods. Again, chewing properly is also essential for good digestion. An orthodontist can use braces to straighten your teeth, making it easier for you to eat the foods you love.

2. Less Risk of Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Healthy teeth don’t just look nice; they’re also important for your overall health. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, gum disease can be more common because food and plaque can accumulate between the teeth and lead to infection. Over time, this may cause tooth loss, which affects how you chew and speak.

3. Better Overall Oral Hygiene

When your teeth are crowded, there is a higher chance for small food particles and bacteria to get stuck in between the gaps of your teeth. This makes it very easy for gum disease or cavities to take hold because the bacteria and food particles are trapped between your teeth.

4. Whiter Teeth

When teeth are crowded, it is more difficult to clean the spaces between them because they are hidden from your brushing. The bacteria and stains can accumulate quickly, making your teeth look dull or discolored. Straightening your teeth will make it so much easier to clean properly and leave you with a brighter, whiter smile.

5. Better Overall Appearance and Improved Self-Confidence

Straight teeth are more uniform in size and shape, which is better for the overall appearance of your smile. Best of all, nobody needs to know that you have straightened your teeth if you don’t want them to know!

Again, having straight teeth will improve how you feel about yourself, especially if you’ve gone through life with crooked teeth. One of the main reasons why people want to straighten their teeth is because they want to smile more and not be embarrassed by how their teeth look.

6. Easier Brushing and Flossing

Flossing and brushing are much more effective when there are no gaps between your teeth that food or bacteria could get stuck in. Straight teeth take less time to brush and floss, which means that you can take better care of your teeth and help them stay strong and healthy.

Time to Visit an Orthodontist

According to the American Dental Association, 70% of braces are worn by female patients. However, this does not mean that straight teeth are only a priority for women. An orthodontist can use braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth regardless of age or gender. So don’t be afraid to improve your smile with straighter teeth. Call us today and schedule your consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for braces for straight teeth!