The Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

The motivation that is behind getting braces for most people is to improve one’s appearance. They know that after they straighten their teeth, they will look more attractive. Something else that motivates a person to get braces is boosting their self-confidence. After braces, most people want to show off their smile. In one study that involved patients who completed orthodontic treatments, about 80 percent felt that teeth straightening was one of the most life-changing decisions they ever made.

While your motivation to get braces may be to look better and boosting your self-confidence, you may be happy to know that you can also experience significant health benefits.

Braces Can Give You a Healthy Bite

The main purpose behind braces is to treat malocclusion, or a bad bite. This problem occurs because the teeth are crooked, crowded, or in some other way out of alignment. When the teeth are not aligned, the jaws cannot align properly, which can cause health problems.

If the teeth are misaligned, this will wear down the tooth enamel in an uneven and premature way. You can experience tooth decay. You may have difficulty speaking or chewing. And you may have pain and other problems that are related to TMJ issues.

If your misaligned teeth are protruding, you are more likely to experience chips or cracking of those teeth if you are injured. Your dentist can examine your teeth and bite with the goal of recommending braces or another orthodontic treatment to protect your teeth and prevent these issues.

Straight Teeth Contribute to a Healthier Mouth

You already know that brushing and flossing will give you a healthy mouth. However, you may not realize that crowded teeth make removing plaque and bacteria difficult. No matter how often you brush your teeth and floss, crowded teeth may prevent you from enjoying a completely healthy mouth.

If you begin to experience periodontal problems because of not being able to clean your teeth properly, your gums may be red and swollen and bleed easily. You may have bad breath and receding gums.

Having your teeth straightened means that brushing and flossing will be lot easier. You can prevent tooth loss and gum disease by using braces.

Experience Better Health with Straight Teeth

Your entire body can benefit from you straightening your teeth. First, you can prevent serious health issues. For example, oral infections and inflammation can lead to systemic diseases. Or think of the negative= effect that dealing with periodontal disease could have on your body. When you have gum disease, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and cause you to experience health problems.

Second, you can improve your mental health by straightening your teeth. Just think of the way that straight teeth can improve the self-esteem of teenagers. It will give them the self-confidence that is needed to make friends, accomplish personal goals, and even begin their professional life. These things are also true for adults. When you have straight teeth and a beautiful smile, you will find yourself smiling more than normal. Smiling will make you feel happier and boost your mental health.

How to Receive These Benefits

Straightening your teeth can improve your appearance, give you more self-confidence, and benefit your overall health in several ways. Working closely with a trained and skilled orthodontist at West U Smiles is the best way to improve your oral health and find out about the right way for you to straighten your teeth, no matter how old you are.