Well over 50 percent of children have teeth that are crooked or misaligned enough to require orthodontic care to straighten them. However, some parents or adults may be opposed to orthodontics because they believe it is only useful for improving one’s looks. While it can indeed boost self-esteem, orthodontics to straighten teeth is also beneficial for the overall health of the teeth and mouth. The following three benefits are just some of the most important advantages that those who get their teeth straightened will discover.
Improved Oral Health
The most basic benefit of having the teeth straightened is that it will become much easier to clean the teeth. The surface of the teeth will be smoother, leading to fewer spots where food can collect, decay and form cavity-causing plaque. Crooked teeth are more prone to tooth decay and may even lead to periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Periodontal disease may begin with tender, bleeding gums but can progress to significant gum and even tooth loss.
Improved Chewing and Speaking
Surprisingly, straight teeth even have a significant impact on how well one can <a href=”http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/orthodontics”>chew and talk</a>. Straightened teeth line up well with each other, making it easier to take bites and grind food. Orthodontic care can also make speech easier to understand by correcting where the tongue hits the teeth and by closing gaps in the teeth. A removable product, such as Invisalign, is a great choice for adults who do not want the look of braces in their mouths but who want to align teeth and close gaps gradually.
Improved Wear on the Teeth
When the teeth meet up correctly after being straightened, individuals will experience less wear on their tooth enamel. Additionally, teeth that stick out due to overcrowding can rub on other teeth and may be more likely to be broken or chipped in an injury. When enamel wears off, the teeth become increasingly sensitive to heat, cold, air and sweets.
There are numerous reasons why having straight teeth is so beneficial. Decaying teeth can lead to gum disease, which can in turn lead to premature loss of teeth and even systemic infections. Crooked teeth can even lead to chronic headaches and neck pain that originates from misalignment in the jaw. Thankfully, several orthodontic solutions exist to help individuals avoid these and other tooth, gum and jaw problems.