The advantages of straightening your teeth extend beyond simply having a beautiful smile. A straight grin can improve your self-esteem, confidence, and overall health. Are you considering teeth straightening but wondering if it is worth the time and money? Here are six significant health factors to consider:

1. Straightened Teeth Reduce Oral Health Risks

An excellent daily oral hygiene program that includes flossing and brushing your teeth is critical to your gums and teeth health. If your teeth have gaps or are crooked, they will be more challenging to clean. This increases the likelihood of food becoming lodged, providing a breeding environment for germs that can lead to serious oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or mouth infections.

Straightening your teeth makes them much easier to clean and minimizes the likelihood of oral health problems. Many, if not all, of braces and clear aligner patients see significant improvements in gum health during and after orthodontic treatment.

2. Prevent Jaw Strain and Pain

With crooked teeth, your jaw may adjust to correct movements while speaking or chewing. This may pressure your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures. In extreme situations, so much pressure is applied to your jaw, gums, and supporting bone that crooked and misaligned teeth can cause pain, difficulties moving the jaw, clicking sounds, and even persistent migraines. Orthodontic treatments, like traditional fixed braces or clear aligners, are one way to improve jaw alignment and decrease TMJ strain. Muscle relaxant injections can provide temporary comfort.

3. Reduces The Risk of Developing Other Diseases

Straightening your teeth can also help minimize your risk of developing other health issues. According to research, the bacteria that cause gum disease and infections in your mouth can also increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Straightening your teeth makes cleaning easier, lowering the risk of getting certain disorders.

Crooked or misaligned teeth also make it difficult to chew correctly, so you may avoid certain meals. Straightening your teeth allows you to eat various foods and ensures that you follow a balanced diet, which helps you stay healthy. Certain meals can improve your oral health.

4. Fewer Chips, Breaks, or Cracks

If you fall or are in an accident, your protruding or crooked teeth are more prone to shatter or break. Crooked teeth make it difficult to maintain appropriate dental care and weaken, making them more likely to shatter or crack. You're also more likely to bite your tongue and cheeks, which can lead to painful sores. Straight teeth will prevent you from sores, breaks, chips, and cracks.

5. Lessens Teeth Grinding

Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) can occur when your teeth are improperly positioned. Your teeth will wear down and damage more easily, increasing your chances of experiencing severe dental and TMJ pain. In addition to using braces or clear aligners to address clenching/grinding issues, your dentist may prescribe that you wear a night mouthguard.

6. Improves Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing issues interrupt your sleep. This might lead to weariness and other health difficulties. These breathing problems may be caused by a misaligned jaw, which can be addressed with orthodontics and other sleep apnea treatments to improve sleep quality.

Straightened Teeth at The Grove Dental

Getting treatment for misaligned, protruding, or crooked teeth can be a key step toward improving dental and general health. It makes oral hygiene easier to manage, resulting in a domino effect of good cleanliness and health throughout the body.

Are you looking forward to having a healthy mouth and a gorgeous smile after having your teeth straightened? Schedule a consultation right away. If you don’t have an orthodontist, you may want to find one by googling “orthodontist near me.”