Getting your teeth straightened and your bite corrected allows you to have a beautiful smile for life. However, getting orthodontic treatment via braces or Invisalign isn’t just about having an attractive smile.
Orthodontics allows people to have pain-free smiles that are easy to care for. So what are some benefits of straightening your smile with braces or clear aligners? You might be surprised to find they aren’t all cosmetic!
Improved Oral Health with Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can improve oral health by making it easier to clean your teeth. Misaligned teeth can make it challenging to effectively clean and maintain proper oral hygiene, leading to plaque and tartar buildup that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Remember that while orthodontics can help support proper oral health, they don’t act as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing [1]. When teeth are all in their correct positions, they should be easy to floss and brush, which is good since you’ll need to do these two things every day to maintain a healthy smile!
Proper Bite Position and Function
Improper bites, also called malocclusions, can include overbites, underbites, or crossbites and can cause discomfort and difficulty while biting, chewing, or speaking. On average, over 50% of people have malocclusions, so you’re certainly not alone if you have an improper bite [2]!
Correcting these misalignments through orthodontic treatment can restore proper bite alignment, allowing for better functionality and reducing the risk of discomfort when chewing or speaking, including symptoms of TMJ disorders and even teeth grinding.
Prevention of Dental Problems
Orthodontic treatment may even prevent future dental problems. As we’ve seen, crooked or crowded teeth can create areas that are hard to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, sensitive teeth, tooth discoloration, and even tooth loss.
With properly aligned teeth, there are fewer places for plaque, bacteria, and tartar to hide, reducing the likelihood of developing tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, having a proper bite minimizes the risk of injury to the teeth, including chipped and cracked teeth [3].
Investing in orthodontic treatment is investing in your smile. People who straighten their teeth can help prevent the need for invasive dental procedures and protect their teeth for life.
Boost in Self-Confidence
Getting braces or Invisalign doesn’t just have the potential to improve your oral health—it can also enhance your self-esteem and confidence. A misaligned bite or teeth can make people self-conscious about their smile, ultimately impacting their quality of life.
By straightening their teeth, individuals can experience a significant boost in self confidence and feel more comfortable in social and professional settings [4]. This newfound confidence can positively impact mental well-being, promoting a happier and healthier lifestyle overall.
Are You Considering Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment provides numerous benefits for those seeking a straighter smile. In addition to its obvious aesthetic advantages, orthodontic treatment can lead to improved oral health, enhanced bite functionality, prevention of dental problems, and a boost in self- confidence. Are you considering braces or Invisalign? If so, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist today!
Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190122092849.htm
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32567942/
3. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/why-do-straight-teeth-matter/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8600842/
