The benefits of straightening your teeth go far beyond just attaining a beautiful smile. A straight smile can have a positive effect on the way you feel about yourself,  your self-confidence and can also benefit your general health in many ways. Are you considering teeth straightening but are still not entirely convinced if it’s worth the time and investment? Here are six important health reasons to consider:

1. Straightened Teeth Reduce Oral Health Risks

An excellent daily oral hygiene routine that includes flossing and brushing your teeth is significant for the health of your gums and teeth. If your teeth have gaps between them or are crooked, they will be harder to clean. This increases the chance of food getting stuck, giving bacteria a possible breeding ground which can lead to significant oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or mouth infections.

Straightening your teeth thus makes them much easier to clean and reduces the risks of oral health issues. Many, if not all, of our braces and clear aligner patients experience significantly improved gum health during and after their orthodontic treatment.

2. Prevent Jaw Strain and Pain

With crooked teeth, your jaw may compensate to correct movements while speaking or chewing. This may lead to pressure on your temperomandibular joint (TMJ) and assocated structures. In some cases, so much pressure is exerted on your jaw, gum, and supporting bone that crooked and misaligned teeth may lead to pain, difficulty moving the jaw, clicking sounds, or even relentless headaches. Orthodontic treatments, such as traditional fixed braces or SmileStyler clear aligners, are one approach to correct your jaw alignment and relieve pressure on your TMJ. Temporary relief may also be sought using muscle relaxant injections.

3. Reduces The Risk of Developing Other Diseases

Straightening your teeth can also help you reduce the risk of developing other health problems within the body. Research has shown that the bacteria that causes gum disease and infections in your mouth can also increase the chances of developing illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Straightening your teeth makes them easier keep clean, therefore reducing the risk of developing these diseases.

Crooked or misaligned teeth also make it hard to chew properly, which might make you avoid certain foods. Straightening your teeth allows you to eat all types of food and ensures that you observe a balanced diet that helps you remain healthy. There are some particlar foods that can improve your oral health.

4. Fewer Chips, Breaks, or Cracks

Protruded or crooked teeth are more likely to crack or break if you fall or are involved in an accident. As it is hard to maintain good dental hygiene with crooked teeth, your teeth also become weak, making it easier for them to break or crack. Additionally, you’re more susceptible to biting your tongue and cheeks more often, causing painful sores. Straight teeth will offer you protection against sores, breaks, chips, and cracks.

5. Lessens Teeth Grinding

Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) can be caused when your teeth aren’t aligned properly. Your teeth will be worn down and damaged more easily, increasing the chances of severe dental and TMJ-related pain. In addition to aligning your teeth with braces or clear aligners to address clenching/grinding concerns, your dentist may also recommend you use a night mouthguard.

6. Improves Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing difficulties cause disruption to your sleep. This can result in tiredness and other related health issues. These breathing problems may result from a misaligned jaw that may sometimes be treated with orthodontics on top of other sleep apnoea treatments to significantly enhance the quality of your sleep.

Straightened Teeth at The Grove Dental

Getting treatment for your misaligned, protruded or crooked teeth can be a significant step to improve your dental as well as overall body health. It makes your oral hygiene more manageable, creating a domino effect of good hygiene and health throughout your entire body.

Are you looking forward to having a healthy mouth and beautiful smile resulting from straightened teeth? The Grove Dental Rouse Hill has got you covered. Book a free orthodontic or SmileStyler consultation today and learn how we can help.