If you’re thinking about getting braces or Invisalign, chances are you’re imagining a perfectly straight set of pearly whites in your not-so-distant future. While orthodontic treatment absolutely aims to give you straighter teeth, the health benefits of Invisalign and braces go far beyond aesthetics. As orthodontists in Greer in Simpsonville, our goal is to educate our patients on all the amazing things orthodontic treatment can do for you — from healthier teeth and gums, to improved speech and self-confidence.
So if you think orthodontic treatment is only about getting a more visually appealing smile, think again! Here, Davis Orthodontics shares all the benefits of straight teeth and the many positive effects of braces on your health. Read on.
Benefits of Having Straight Teeth:
1. Decrease Your Risk of Tooth Decay
We all have some degree of plaque and bacteria build-up on our teeth, but with regular brushing and flossing, we can keep tooth decay at bay. If you have crowded, overlapping or even overly spaced out teeth, however, there are more little crevices for the bad stuff to hide. By aligning your teeth, braces and Invisalign eliminate those extra nooks and crannies, making it easier to brush and floss effectively and reducing your risk of tooth decay.
2. Improve Your Gum Health
Your gums are like the root system of your mouth: they hold your teeth in place and anchor them to your jaw bone. If you allow too much plaque and bacteria to build up, you’ll be at risk of gum disease, which has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease and preterm birth. Just like straightening your teeth can reduce your risk of tooth decay, it can also prevent gum disease.
3. Get Better Breath
All that bacteria we’ve mentioned? It also contributes to bad breath and nobody wants that. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash can help hide the problem, but orthodontic treatment can truly prevent bad breath from happening in the first place.
4. Enhance Your Overall Health
Like we said, gum disease is a contributing factor to serious health problems. The American Dental Association and the Mayo Clinic have both reported that straight teeth can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes and more. It goes to show that it isn’t just about looking good — having straight teeth can improve your total health.
5. Improve Your Speech
We don’t often think about all the little things that go into our speech. It’s just something we do without thinking about it, like breathing. But while you may not realize it, your teeth play a big role in how you speak. They control the airflow you use to produce certain sounds, so orthodontic issues like over- or underbite are associated with speech impediments. If this sounds like you and you want clearer speech, braces or Invisalign may help.
6. Reduce Jaw Pain
Do you experience frequent headaches or jaw pain? It could be the misalignment of your teeth. When your teeth and jaw don’t line up properly, it can cause strain on your facial muscles and jaw joint, leading to jaw pain. Straightening your teeth with Invisalign or braces can alleviate that pressure and lower your risk of developing TMJ syndrome.
7. Prevent Injury to Your Teeth
Everyone’s front teeth are at higher risk for damage than the other teeth because they’re front and center! But if your front teeth stick out, this risk increases significantly. Orthodontic treatment guides protruding teeth into alignment, protecting your teeth, gums and jaw from physical damage.
8. Boost Your Self-Confidence
Everyone should have a smile they’re proud to show off. And as it turns out, having straight teeth can actually improve your self-esteem, confidence and success in life. Don’t believe us? Studies show that people who have straight teeth are perceived as happier, more successful and smarter, which improves their likelihood of landing jobs. People who smile more are also shown to be more confident, and the more you love your smile, the more likely you are to display it proudly!
You already know that the goal of orthodontic treatment is to perfect your smile and align your bite, but there are so many health benefits of straight teeth that you might not have thought about before. Ready to take the next step towards achieving a straighter, healthier smile and reaping the benefits of straight teeth? Contact Davis Orthodontics to book a free consultation today.
