Are you unhappy with the appearance of your crooked teeth? You're not alone! In fact, 61% of Americans want to change something about their teeth, with crookedness as a top concern. About 57% even cover their mouths when they laugh, while many receive criticism from their loved ones. Straightening teeth can improve your appearance, boost your confidence, and benefit your health. On the fence? Discover the benefits of undergoing the process of straightening teeth with help from your Raleigh orthodontist today!
Avoid Decay
Teeth alignment issues can give food particles and bacteria more places to hide. If your teeth are crooked, you might find it's more difficult to brush and floss, too. Neglecting to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth will allow bacteria and food particles to linger.
Plaque could form as a result. Plaque is a clear, sticky substance that increases your risk of tooth decay. When left unattended too long, plaque hardens into tartar.
You'll need to visit your local dentist for a professional tooth cleaning to have tartar removed. Your toothbrush isn't enough to clean it away.
Straightening your teeth now can help improve dental health for years.
Otherwise, the plaque hiding between your crooked teeth will produce acid. Your protective tooth enamel will weaken, increasing your risk of tooth decay. If you have cavities, you'll have to schedule expensive treatments to remedy the damage. Before that happens, talk to your Raleigh orthodontist. They can help you review your teeth straightening options. Once your teeth are straight, you'll have an easier time brushing and flossing. You can remove food particles and bacteria to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Chew With Ease
Crooked teeth can also make it more difficult for you to chew certain foods. If you're not chewing thoroughly, your stomach will have to break down larger chunks of food. Your digestive system will have to work overtime, which can lead to symptoms like gas and indigestion.
If your crooked teeth are making it difficult for you to eat, talk to your orthodontist. Otherwise, your body won't receive the vitamins and minerals it needs from your diet. You might notice a change in your overall health as a result.
Stop Grinding
When your teeth and jaws are perfectly straight, your top and bottom teeth will rest atop one another in alignment. When your teeth are crooked, and your jaws are uneven, it can cause wear and tear. You might start grinding your teeth without realizing it.
Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, can wear down your teeth's protective enamel over time. Without enamel, you'll become more vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. Straightening your teeth with braces or Invisalign can help you stop grinding!
Otherwise, bruxism can cause wear and tear when you're asleep and awake. You might start waking up with tight or aching jaw muscles.
Grinding your teeth can make you more prone to sleep disorders, too. For example, you might develop sleep apnea or begin snoring. If these problems sound familiar, talk to your Raleigh orthodontist.
Let them know if you experience any other symptoms of bruxism, including:
- Chipped, flattened, or fractured teeth
- Loose teeth
- Increased pain or sensitivity
- Soreness in the face, jaw, or neck
- Dull headaches
- Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
- Worn tooth enamel
- Disrupted sleep
Straightening your teeth can help improve your bite, which can help you avoid bruxism. Otherwise, bruxism will only increase your risk of complications.
Avoid Injury
Talk to your orthodontist if you have:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Misplaced midline
These teeth alignment issues can increase your risk of an injury. For example, you might lose a tooth while playing sports or after a car accident. You could bite your tongue or cut the inside of your cheek, too.
Orthodontic treatment can straighten your teeth, which can reduce your risk of a potential injury.
Dodge Gingivitis
Remember, straightening your teeth can help minimize your risk of plaque formation and tooth decay. It can also help you avoid gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease.
When plaque lingers on or between your teeth, your body will react by triggering an inflammatory response. Inflammation helps the body fight invaders and illness. Too much inflammation can cause pain and other symptoms, however.
Gingivitis symptoms include tender, bleeding, and red gums. When you neglect to treat gingivitis immediately, it can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis can increase your risk of losing teeth. The bacteria can also increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
Remember, improving your dental health can benefit your overall health. Talk to your Raleigh orthodontist to straighten your teeth. Otherwise, the bones supporting your teeth can break down, further impacting the appearance of your smile.
Space for Implants
Your dentist might recommend a dental implant if you're already missing an adult tooth. The surrounding teeth could lean toward the gap if you delay treatment, though. Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment can help make space for implants.
Getting a dental implant can help you avoid other oral health complications. It can also improve the appearance of your smile.
Improved Self-Confidence
Remember, many Americans feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth and smiles. You don't have to keep hiding your smile behind closed lips or an open palm. Instead, consider your teeth straightening options.
Beginning orthodontic treatment will allow you to improve the appearance of your smile. Improving your appearance can boost your self-esteem and confidence. You'll feel more comfortable in social settings, whether you're on a date or aiming for a promotion.
In other words, straightening your teeth now can benefit your life for years to come.
Straighten Up: Enjoy the Benefits of Straightening Teeth
Don't let teeth alignment issues keep you from a happy and healthy life. Instead, consider visiting your Raleigh orthodontist to talk about straightening teeth. Improving your smile can benefit your health and future. Begin the teeth straightening process today!
Ready for a straighter smile? We can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
