Old habits die hard. When it comes to our teeth, this can definitely be the case. Harmful habits we develop early like mouth breathing, thumb-sucking, and even tongue positioning can eventually transfer into adulthood, affecting the development of our teeth.
The way your teeth are placed can have effects on your health, so yes – it does matter if your teeth are straight, but maybe not for the reasons you think.
Why Straight Teeth Make a Difference
If left untreated, crooked teeth can cause serious dental problems. They are prone to more cavities, because they create lots of hard-to-reach areas that can collect food particles and allow bacteria to develop. Crooked teeth are also more difficult to brush and floss effectively, so it’s harder to remove debris and plaque-causing bacteria.
This can lead to gingivitis, swollen gums, or in worse cases, periodontitis. According to the American Dental Association, advanced periodontitis has been linked to health conditions like diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
If your teeth are spread apart or are too close together, they are more difficult to clean and can affect how you bite and chew. An uneven bite can damage the grinding surfaces of your teeth, or even lead to chipped and cracked teeth. Teeth that are properly aligned can also prevent jaw and gum pain from biting, chewing, and speaking.
For some people, straighter teeth can even correct breathing complications or speech difficulties. In short, straight teeth that line up correctly when you bite down are likely to stay healthy longer and contribute to your overall health.
Straighter teeth can also be an emotional investment for both children and adults. Feeling great about your smile is important to everyone. After all, good self-esteem improves your quality of life. For adults, an attractive smile can even help your career and make you look younger!
Feeling unattractive, shy, depressed, or having a negative self-image is stressful, which can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. There are already plenty of sources of stress in modern life – and worrying about your smile shouldn’t be one of them.
How Can I Get Straighter Teeth?
Orthodontic treatments can correct the alignment of your teeth and improve jaw function. Popular treatments like Invisalign can straighten your teeth and promote healthier gums, all while offering an effective, metal-free alternative to braces.
Now that you know the benefits of having straighter teeth, My Family Dentistry can help you with your options.
We offer a host of dental services including all-porcelain veneers and crowns, Invisalign, teeth whitening, comprehensive smile makeovers, and My Teeth Today dental implants. Whatever your needs or budget, we’ll work with you to find the right options for you.
At My Family Dentistry, we believe that every patient deserves a beautiful smile, so get in touch with us today!
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