For many people, the decision to get braces is purely cosmetic. Having crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth is a major source of low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence, so it’s hardly a surprise that people find they have confidence in spades once their teeth have been straightened.
But a winning smile isn’t the only benefit of having straight teeth – there are many health benefits tied in too.
IMPROVED SPEECH
A lack of confidence in smiling isn’t the only negative effect of crooked teeth – speech impediments can also be a result of misaligned teeth. Lisps, whistles, and stutters are all speech issues that could be improved upon – or resolved completely – with the help of straight teeth.
LESS RISK OF GUM DISEASE
It’s not a nice thought, but the truth of the matter is that badly looked after teeth can lead to disease, and it’s much harder to look after teeth properly when they aren’t straight. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, making the risk of gum disease higher. In turn, gum disease could lead to heart disease, and could even contribute to diabetes.
BETTER DIGESTION
Misaligned teeth can make even the simplest of tasks an unnecessary chore – including eating. It’s harder to chew effectively with crooked and misaligned teeth, and as a result, your body finds it harder to break down and digest the food you’ve consumed. Straight teeth mean you don’t have to worry about biting off more than you can chew.
LESS RISK OF LOST AND CHIPPED TEETH
Significant over or underbites can lead to teeth jutting out further than they should, and this puts them at greater risk of injury. This is especially true for people who play high intensity or high contact sports. Without a properly fitted mouthguard, you are at a much higher risk of suffering from chipped or lost teeth.
EASY CLEANING
As we mentioned before, straighter teeth are much easier to clean, and this goes a long way in decreasing your risk of gum disease. Because it’s so much easier to get your toothbrush and floss into those hard to reach places, you’ll also benefit from fresher breath and less risk of bleeding gums.
LESS RISK OF INJURED GUMS AND LIPS
Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can wreak havoc with your mouth – rubbing uncomfortably against your gums, lips, and the inside of your mouth and leading to cuts and sores that could even lead to infection. The soft tissue in your mouth is gentle, and straight teeth have much less chance of rubbing it up the wrong way.
If you’re considering teeth straightening techniques, there are plenty of options available – from traditional braces to more discreet options such as Invisalign. A consultation with your orthodontist will let you know which is the right option for you.
Hungry for more health info? We put together an article on the Health Benefits of Braces too!