With over 4 million people in the United States alone receiving orthodontic treatment, it’s no
surprise that people want straight teeth!
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for looks. Straight teeth actually encourage a healthy oral
cavity, which means a reduced risk for numerous dental health issues—but why is this?
Here are just a few reasons why straight teeth can encourage a healthy smile for life!
Proper Alignment Eliminates Jaw Issues
The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as TMJ, is one of the most complex joints
in your body. It joins the bottom part of your jaw to the top part. Since this joint allows us to
chew and move our mouths in a variety of ways, any issues that arise with this complex joint
can be painful.
A misaligned bite, also referred to as a malocclusion, can cause pain in the face and jaw. Many
people experience overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites as a result of misaligned
teeth. When left untreated, these bites can cause chronic pain when chewing or speaking.
Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can correct these problems and enable you to have a pain-
free smile with no more jaw or bite issues!
Easier to Clean and Take Care Of
Crooked teeth or crowded teeth can be nearly impossible to clean properly. The tight spaces in-
between teeth are the perfect places for bacteria, plaque, and food debris to hide. Sometimes,
even the best brushers and flossers can’t get into these tight spaces, making tooth decay and
gum disease more likely.
With orthodontic treatment, all the teeth are moved into their proper positions. This not only
gives you straight, even teeth, but also provides you with a better foundation for your oral
health, as you’ll be able to brush and floss without any issues. Straighter teeth are easier to
clean and take care of, reducing your risk for oral health problems.
Prevent Problems with Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
In addition to being easier to clean, straighter teeth help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Misaligned teeth not only provide places for bacteria to hide, but they can also prevent people
from seeking the care they need to have a healthy smile.
People with crooked or crowded teeth may be self-conscious of their smile, leading them to
avoid the dentist despite any problems they may encounter. When a straight smile is possible,
people tend to want to take care of their smiles and will seek treatment to keep their smile
looking beautiful.
Whether or not you received orthodontic care as a child doesn’t have to impact your oral
health today. Nearly 25% of all people who have braces are adults. With many treatment
options today to get your smile in shape, in addition to many orthodontists offering payment
plans, your treatment is more achievable than ever.
Don’t let your smile prevent you from having a healthy oral cavity. With straighter teeth, your
smile is easier to care for and you won’t experience the daily pain of having an improper bite.
With a healthy smile, you’ll be ready to take on the world!
