Straight Teeth: 3 Ways Correcting Your Smile Can Lead to a Better Life

Houston Pediatric Dentistry Blog

Straight Teeth: 3 Ways Correcting Your Smile Can Lead to a Better Life

Having a beautiful smile is a great confidence boost, but it also has some surprising effects on your overall health that you may not have thought of. Correcting crooked teeth has many health benefits, both physical and mental, which is why a majority of patients that have undergone orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth feel it was a good decision.

1. It’s easier to brush and floss straight teeth.

It can be a challenge brushing and flossing between crooked teeth. Floss can get stuck in between teeth that are overcrowded and too close together, making the process very frustrating. Brushing may not reach all parts of the tooth, especially ones that are stuck behind other ones.

Improper brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay and other periodontal problems, like gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease can include:

  • Bad breath
  • Red, tender, swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed when brushed
  • A receding gum line
  • Loss of teeth which may require surgical treatment or other intervention

Straightening teeth can make it easier to brush and floss which, in turn, can prevent these harmful problems from occurring. Even after teeth are straightened, regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings should be performed.

2. Correcting an abnormal bite can prevent other health problems.

Teeth that aren’t straight can lead to an abnormal bite, called malocclusion. Malocclusion is when the upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly due to teeth being misaligned, overcrowded, or crooked.

In addition to causing one of the jaws to protrude over the other jaw, leading an unusual face shape, malocclusion can also cause:

  • Difficulty eating and chewing properly
  • Pain in the jaw while chewing, yawning, or talking due to TMJ
  • Abnormal speech or even speech delays
  • Tooth enamel being worn down unevenly
  • Cracked or chipped teeth when an injury occurs
  • Cavities and other tooth decay which may require surgical intervention

Some of these health problems go beyond what a pediatric dentist can assist with an may require a visit to an orthodontist.

3. Straight teeth can boost physical and mental health.

Oral disease and infections caused by teeth that aren’t properly cared for can lead to other health problems. Anytime bacteria enters the mouth and isn’t removed with proper brushing and flossing, it can eventually end up in the bloodstream. Bacteria that enters the bloodstream can wreak havoc on the body by causing heart problems, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases.

Having a beautiful smile can also give you the confidence you need to go out and tackle anything. Smiling is a positive way to communicate with others and positive communication can lead to better relationships, better job opportunities, and a better life overall. Having orthodontic treatment to correct your smile can help you reach your goals by giving you the confidence boost to go out and achieve your dreams.

Orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth, such as Invisalign, are appropriate for people of many ages, including teens and older adults. Straightening teeth can lead to all of these health benefits and more and Invisalign are an easy way to achieve that.

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