7 Impressive Health Benefits of Straight Teeth - Rusty Jones Orthodontics

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7 Impressive Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

About 70% of Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth and the criticism they receive from those closest to them. Over 60% want to change something about their teeth. A few main concerns include crookedness and spaces between teeth.

With orthodontic treatment, you can straighten your smile, benefiting your mental and physical health. 

On the fence about visiting an orthodontist in Utah? Here are a few benefits of straight teeth to consider first. After reading this guide, you can determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you.

Read on to discover the top straight teeth benefits today!

1. Dodge Bruxism

When your teeth are straight, the top and bottom rows of your teeth will rest against one another properly. However, you’re likely to begin grinding your teeth if you have an unaligned bite.

Grinding your teeth, known as bruxism, can wear down your protective tooth enamel over time.

Without enamel, your teeth can become vulnerable. Enamel protects your teeth from germs and decay. You also can’t grow tooth enamel back once it’s gone.

If you recently started grinding your teeth, you might experience symptoms like:

  • Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Soreness in the neck, jaw, and face
  • Pain or damage from chewing the inside of your cheeks
  • Flatted, chipped, fractured, or loose teeth
  • Tight or tired jaw muscles
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Dull headaches

If you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep, you could begin snoring. You might also develop sleep apnea, which can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. Without proper sleep, your mental and physical health will decline. 

Let your orthodontist in Utah know if you begin experiencing these symptoms. They can help you recognize the benefits of straight teeth. For example, straightening your teeth will ensure the bottom and top rows are in proper alignment.

You could avoid bruxism and other complications while protecting your enamel as a result. 

2. Avoid Decay

Remember, grinding your teeth can leave them vulnerable to bacteria and potential decay.

If there are gaps between your teeth or they appear crooked, you might also struggle to thoroughly floss and brush. Without proper oral care, your teeth can become vulnerable. For example, you might unintentionally leave food particles between your teeth.

Allowing food particles to linger between your teeth will give them the chance to mix with bacteria. As a result, plaque can form. Plaque is the clear, sticky substance that can cling to the surface over teeth.

If you’re not brushing properly, plaque can harden into tartar over time. Schedule a dental cleaning to have the tartar removed right away. Otherwise, your risk of tooth decay will increase.

The plaque on your teeth will begin to release acid, causing decay and cavities. You might lose a tooth or begin experiencing painful symptoms.

Learn how to get perfect teeth from your local orthodontist. Straightening your teeth will make it easier for you to brush and floss. Then, you can avoid decay and other complications. 

3. Chew Easily

You might find it’s more difficult to chew your favorite foods when your teeth aren’t in proper alignment. Some patients avoid chewing apples, steak, and other hard foods as a result. Removing certain foods from your diet can impact your ability to get the nutrients you need.

Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment could make it easier for you to chew in the future.

If you’re not thoroughly chewing foods before swallowing, you could give your digestive system more work. You might experience digestive issues as a result. 

Straightening your teeth can make chewing easier, allowing you to improve your digestive health. 

4. Reduced Risk of Injuries

Orthodontic treatment can address a number of issues, including:

  • Underbite
  • Overbite
  • Spacing issues
  • Crowding issues
  • Misplaced midline
  • Crossbite
  • Underbite

These orthodontic issues might increase your chances of an accident. For example, you might knock out a tooth during a sporting or car accident. You might bite your tongue or scratch the inside of your cheek.

Talk to your Utah orthodontist about these straight teeth benefits. They can help you determine what course of treatment aligns with your specific needs. With their help, you can straighten your teeth to avoid future problems. 

5. Space of Implants

Are you missing an adult tooth? Don’t leave the problem unattended for too long. Otherwise, your surrounding teeth will begin to lean toward the gap.

As your teeth shift, your bite will change. Your teeth might start protruding at odd angles, too. Remember, your risk of an injury might increase as a result.

If your teeth have leaned toward the gap, you’ll need to straighten them before getting a dental implant. An implant can fill in the space your missing tooth left behind. Then, you can restore your smile!

6. Improved Gum Health

Remember, food particles and bacteria will have an easier time hiding between your teeth if they’re crooked. As a result, plaque can develop between your teeth, leading to inflammation.

Inflammation can cause painful, red, and swollen gums. Your gums might start bleeding when you brush your teeth, too.

If these symptoms sound familiar, make sure to visit a dentist right away. It’s likely you’ve developed gingivitis.

Gingivitis might cause additional gaps between your teeth. It can also increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, or diabetes. 

One of the benefits of straight teeth is the reduced risk of gum disease. Otherwise, the bones holding your teeth together could start to break down. You could experience jaw pain and other complications as well. 

7. Stronger Self-Confidence

If you feel self-conscious about your smile, talk to your dentist about how to get perfect teeth. Straightening your teeth can help you feel more confident. The boost in your self-esteem can benefit your quality of life and mood.

You might feel more inclined to take healthy risks at work or in your social life, too!

Start Smiling: Experience These Benefits of Straight Teeth Today

Don’t let crooked teeth impact your mental or physical health. Instead, consider these benefits of straight teeth. With orthodontic treatment, you can experience these benefits firsthand. 

Want to talk to your orthodontist in Utah about your treatment options? We’re here to help. 

Get in touch with our office today to get started!

OUR ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS ARE READY TO HELP

Contact us and make an appointment with Edge Orthodontics to help you achieve your best smile. We offer a wide variety of treatments that will ensure you get the best care possible. There are several options that meet each person’s needs. If you want to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic care, give us a call today.

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