What Are the Health Benefits of Having Straight Teeth?

Maybe you’ve heard that your smile is the first thing people notice. So, nobody can blame you for thinking the main benefit of straight teeth is how they benefit someone’s appearance. The truth is straight teeth have benefits that go beyond skin-deep. They can actually improve your health. Keep reading to learn from your orthodontist in Cumming how valuable properly aligned teeth really are.

Increase the Effectiveness of Brushing and Flossing

When teeth are misaligned, there are more nooks and crannies for plaque and oral bacteria to potentially survive your oral health regimen. That would increase your risk of developing cavities. With straightened teeth, these “hiding places” are eliminated to make brushing and flossing more effective.

Boost Your Speaking Abilities

When someone has speech issues like a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, something as simple as orthodontic treatment could be the answer. Your teeth work with your tongue to produce various sounds. Due to the position of certain teeth, you might not be able to make a given sound the way other people do. When your teeth are aligned, you’ll notice the change in your speech.

Aid Your Digestion

Whether genetics or orthodontic treatment get you to a straight smile, the end result for eating is that it’s easier to chew your food. In turn, your body can more efficiently digest it to absorb more nutrients and avoid the gastrointestinal issues that can result from poorly chewed food.

Make Life Easier on Your Teeth, Gums, and Jaw

A misaligned bite due to crooked and crowded teeth can gradually cause problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which limits the movement of your jaws and causes pain. Crooked teeth are a leading cause of teeth grinding, especially at night. Not only could these issues necessitate that you see an emergency dentist, but they can also create discomfort for you on a daily basis. In this respect, straightening your teeth provides pain relief.

On the surface, straight teeth may just seem like part of a pretty face, but they are more valuable than that. Now that you’ve learned from an orthodontist in Cumming just how much they matter, you can begin your journey to a high-functioning smile!

About the Author

Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is your orthodontist in Cumming. She earned her dental doctorate at Temple University. Dr. Podray-Donovan currently serves as the Vice President of the Georgia Society of Orthodontics and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. She was the first doctor to bring smart wire InBrace lingual technology to the state of Georgia and continues to teach her fellow orthodontists this esthetic braces technique. When it comes to a straighter smile, Dr. Podray-Donovan offers traditional orthodontics, InBrace invisible orthodontics, Damon braces, and clear aligners. To schedule your consultation, visit her website or call (678) 879-3006.