More and more people have become aware of the importance of oral hygiene and maintaining healthy teeth. Orthodontic treatments are now met with much more acceptance than before, and teeth straightening is one of the common procedures many opt for these days. With increasing popularity, there has also been a surge in questions regarding how straightening teeth can be beneficial and whether it is worth the pain.
Teeth straightening relieves several health-related issues and has additional benefits. From appearance to the functionality of the teeth, aligned teeth ease your life in many ways. That’s why people of all ages are now interested in having their teeth straightened to enjoy a better life. Following are reasons one should get their teeth straightened:
Improved Oral Hygiene & Dental Health
When the teeth are aligned, it is easier to brush and floss, and the brush has more room to clean the teeth. It reduces the build-up of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth are cleaner, get fewer cavities and keep the gums healthy.
Since cleaning crooked teeth is tough, it compromises oral hygiene and makes teeth weaker. Crooked teeth are more susceptible to decay and have greater chances of a cavity as bacteria are tougher to get rid of. This can result in greater issues like gum disease, which can further transform into a worse condition like periodontitis which damages both teeth and bones and can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Options to Choose as Per Your Requirement
Orthodontic treatments are thought to be as time-consuming, painful and costly. They do take longer; luckily, there are various treatment options to get your teeth fixed that you can choose from depending on your requirement. From aligners to traditional braces, you can choose whatever you feel is the best option. The next question that comes to mind is, how much do braces cost or how much do the aligners cost?
Charges and treatment duration vary from procedure to procedure and your teeth’s condition. Consult your orthodontist regarding your issues and reservations; they will guide you on the procedures and recommend the right one. Once you see how convenient it is to get your teeth straightened and the ease it brings forth, it will make every penny feel well spent.
Improvement in Overall Health
Healthy teeth protect our gums, which may prevent us from falling prey to nasty diseases. Since oral issues are highly neglected, the connection between tooth infections and coronary artery diseases often remains undermined. However, a study by the University of Helsinki has confirmed this connection and further evidence links gum disease to lung cancer. In fact, patients with periodontal disease have a 24 times higher chance of developing lung cancer than those with healthy gums.
Misalignment of the teeth can sometimes also contribute to chronic headaches. This is because the teeth, jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ), and head and neck muscles are all closely interconnected and can affect each other. When the teeth are misaligned, it can strain the TMJ, head and neck muscles, leading to muscle tension and pain. Straightening the teeth can help alleviate this strain and improve the function of the TMJ, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of chronic headaches.
Better Dental Function
The functions of chewing and biting can become impaired due to misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly, leading to indigestion and problems such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
It can also cause problems with how the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) functions. The TMJ is responsible for moving the lower jaw and teeth misalignment can cause the TMJ to be strained or overworked. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and problems with chewing and swallowing.
Having the right bite alignment also relieves our muscles. When we eat with misaligned teeth, they rub against each other, which involves more muscles and leads to wear and tear of tooth enamel. The erosion of teeth may lead to further problems, such as sensitivity.
Improved Appearance & Enhanced Self-Esteem
Misalignment of teeth is found to have an overall impact on personality, smile, and facial expressions. Sometimes crooked teeth can keep you from smiling freely. It directly affects an individual’s personality as they question their self-worth and feel self-conscious around friends, family, and peers.
Straightening the teeth can improve the smile’s appearance by giving the teeth a more uniform and aligned look. Aligned teeth and jaw can also improve the face’s overall appearance, as misaligned teeth can sometimes cause the face to look asymmetrical or unbalanced. Straightening the teeth can help bring balance and symmetry to the face, which is aesthetically pleasing.
Having better-looking teeth increases an individual’s confidence to face the world. It helps build your confidence and improves your self-esteem, thus, boosting your social skills. Since it refines your facial aesthetics and symmetry, it can have a ripple effect on your personality, resulting in improved relationships. This can also positively affect career advancement since recruiters look for people who exude confidence. Straight teeth make one feel less conscious about themselves and freer.
Reduced Risks of Injury & Improved Speech
Crooked teeth can be more prone to injury, such as chipping or cracking. Straightening teeth can reduce these risks, protecting your teeth and oral health. The procedure will help you keep your teeth healthy and have a beautiful smile.
Misaligned teeth can also cause speech impediments, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening can resolve these issues, improving your speech and making communication easier.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that misaligned, crowded, and crooked teeth negatively affect dental health and overall quality of life. Orthodontic treatments, including braces, aligners and retainers, can improve oral health, enhance self-confidence and speech, and prevent future dental and other health problems. It also improves your appearance and dental function while reducing the risks of injury and promoting self-care. So, if you’re considering getting your teeth straightened, don’t hesitate – the benefits are well worth it!