Having straight teeth is something almost everyone wants. A smile without a single crooked tooth looks great, feels great, and can give most anyone a confidence boost. But an attractive smile isn’t the only reason to straighten your teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists there are a number of health benefits to having straight teeth – and many reasons to get it done early in life. Check out DPD Smiles’ list of reasons below.
1. Easier to Clean
The easiest way to take care of teeth is by cleaning them regularly. When teeth are crooked or not lined up properly, it can be difficult to floss and brush. The ADA warns that improper cleaning can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Starting orthodontic treatment early means you will have straight teeth for a longer time, will learn to clean teeth properly, and will lower your chances of tooth decay becoming a serious problem.
2. Easier to Chew / Less Enamel Erosion
If your bite is uneven, this can cause issues chewing. The condition of a “bad bite” is called malocclusion. A crooked bite can also cause tooth enamel to wear down unnaturally. When the enamel is wearing down at a more rapid rate, it can be difficult to correct this wear through cleaning alone. When enamel is worn down, it can lead to sensitivity and tooth decay. Protect the tooth enamel you currently have and schedule an appointment immediately with your orthodontist in Wheaton to address how you can prevent any further deterioration.
3. Easier to Talk
An uneven bite, severely crooked teeth (crowded or spaced out) and heavily gapped teeth can cause difficulties speaking. One common result of an uneven bite is a lisp. Speech challenges can be embarrassing and may potentially affect your performance at school and in your future career. While no speech problem should stop someone from achieving their goals, correcting the problem can go a long way to boosting confidence.
4. Avoid Jaw Problems
In more severe cases, crooked teeth can lead to jaw problems and may eventually require surgery. Straightening teeth early ensures that these issues are more likely to be avoided. In the event your bite is leading to TMJ pain and/or headaches, our office will work with you on a treatment plan to begin alleviating pain.
5. Improve Facial Structure and Appearance
A winning smile can be a great benefit to anyone. But for some people, crooked teeth and an uneven bite affects their entire face. Correcting these issues can lead to improved physical appearance and increased self-esteem.
Free Orthodontic Consultation
The wide range of benefits that straightening your teeth offers makes the decision to seek treatment much easier. If you’re looking for straightening teeth options in Wheaton, we recommend visiting us for a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation. We provide children, teen and adult orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment time will vary depending on each patients needs, but the positive results last a lifetime. As always, consult with your orthodontist before making any decisions. When you get Invisalign or braces for yourself, know that you are making a meaningful investment in your future.
