The Less Obvious Benefits of Straight Teeth

When it comes to an attractive smile, there is no doubt that Americans value teeth that are straight and properly aligned. It is a known fact that teeth with odd spaces or crooked positions can be a threat to your appearance and self-confidence. But that’s not all. A straight smile offers more benefits than just aesthetics. In fact, there are some less obvious advantages of a well-aligned smile that can improve your health and quality of life.

As an adult, you may be resistant to undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile. However, in most cases, this isn’t just a cosmetic investment. Closing tooth gaps, moving crooked teeth or adjusting an overbite or under bite can add the following “less obvious” benefits:

Better Digestion.

Your teeth are meant to chew. They represent the beginning of your digestion process. When they are aligned properly, they can break down food more effectively and efficiently, which reduces work on your stomach and intestines.

Improved Speech.

Did you know that the position of your teeth can influence your ability to pronounce certain syllables and words? Air movement and the relationship of your tongue against your teeth are what helps you speak. Straight teeth without large gaps can often mean clearer speech patterns.

Healthier Smile.

One of the most notable benefits of having well-aligned teeth pertain to their health. Straight teeth are simply easier to keep clean. You can reach all surfaces of your teeth with your toothbrush and there are less pesky places for food debris to get stuck or hide. This means your straight smile will lower your risk for decay, gum disease and other dental health complications.

More Comfortable Bite.

The position of your teeth impact how well they fit together when you bite down. Even a slight imbalance within your bite (or malocclusion) can put excessive strain on your jaw joint, or TMJ. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain, headaches, neck pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorder. Orthodontics is often the only way to relieve disruptive TMJ symptoms that are caused by a bad bite.

Gone are the days when adults must wear embarrassing metal braces to achieve a straighter smile. At the office of Dr. Tejal Kakade, we proudly offer Invisalign, a clear aligner therapy that can be removed for eating and brushing, and it’s barely visible to those around you. Call today to learn more about how orthodontics can benefit your appearance and your health.