10 Benefits of Straighter Teeth

Round Lake, IL – Orthodontic treatment is about so much more than just a beautiful smile. While you’ll be excited to show off your new grin to everyone after treatment, there are many reasons you should turn to an orthodontist for straighter teeth.

1. Straighter teeth are healthier teeth. If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or otherwise misaligned, it can be much harder to clean them properly. This leads to an increase of plaque build-up, which can lead to tooth decay. Straighter teeth are easier to clean because your toothbrush can easily reach every surface. And it will also be much easier to floss properly, as well.

2. Straighter teeth mean healthier gums. Plaque build-up isn’t just bad for your teeth, it’s bad for your gums, too. As plaque and bacteria build up at your gumline, it can lead to gum disease. When your teeth are misaligned, the gums may not fit properly around the teeth, making them more susceptible to gum disease.

3. Straighter teeth mean stronger bones. Teeth that are widely spaced can lead to loss of jawbone. This can also happen if you are missing teeth or have serious gum disease. This occurs because the alveolar bone, the part of the jawbone that holds the teeth in place, begins to deteriorate and get reabsorbed if it isn’t being used.

4. Straighter teeth mean reduced wear and tear. When teeth are straight and the bite is aligned, an even amount of pressure is placed when you bite down. When your bite is out of alignment and your teeth aren’t straight, this places more wear on your teeth because certain teeth are bearing more force than others. This can cause wear of your enamel, but it can also cause teeth to chip, crack, and break.

5. Straighter teeth lead to a more comfortable smile. As we discussed above, uneven pressure can lead to wear and tear, but not just of your teeth – it can also lead to wear on your TMJ and the muscles of your mouth. This can lead to not only jaw pain, but head, shoulder, and neck pain, and even earaches. A balanced bite ensures proper function so that less pressure is placed on your TMJ and muscles.

6. Straighter teeth make it easier to chew. Properly aligned teeth allow for better overall function of your mouth, including proper chewing and biting. Certain malocclusions, such as open bites, make biting into certain foods difficult. Straighter teeth improve chewing function, which also aids in proper digestion.

7. Straighter teeth can make speech clearer. Your teeth play an important role in how certain sounds are made when you speak. Some sounds require the tongue to come into contact with the teeth, while others require the teeth to direct airflow or provide room for the tongue to move properly in order to make the sound. Malocclusions can alter these necessary tongue movements and make certain sounds harder to make.

8. Straighter teeth lead to a reduced risk of dental injury. If you have protruding teeth you are at more risk to dental injuries should you experience a blow to the face. Correcting your bite and straightening the teeth can lower your risk of dental trauma.

9. Straighter teeth can increase your self-esteem. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, you may spend a lot of time trying to hide it. A straighter smile can help you look and feel your best.

10. Straighter teeth can make a lasting impression. Your smile is the first thing others see when they meet you. In one study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, people with straighter smiles were deemed to be more intelligent and successful than those with malocclusions. Put your best smile forward by improving the way your teeth are aligned.

If you are ready to discover the power an improved smile can have, call Dr. Michael Stosich at Stosich Consulting today. Stosich Consulting has two convenient locations to better serve you. Call 847-548-4200 (Grayslake & Round Lake area) or 224-408-2200 (Wilmette & Kenilworth area).