Are There Health Benefits of Having Straight Teeth?

If your teeth are misaligned, you will have probably thought about getting them straightened at some point or another.

You may think that straightening your teeth seems like a lot of fuss for something that is purely cosmetic.

But having your teeth straightened offers more than just your desired smile. Straight teeth can have a vital role in your overall well-being.

Let’s take a look at how having straight teeth might improve your health.

Healthier Gums and Teeth

Your gums are largely affected by the health of your teeth.

If your teeth are too crowded in a certain area of your mouth, it causes pressure on your gums. This can create swelling and inflammation.

These crowded areas will be extremely hard to keep clean, and it’s likely that plaque will slowly build up. Over time, plaque causes your enamel to decay. This creates the need for fillings, root canals, and even tooth removal.

Not only can this become painful and unsightly, but it can also lead to gum disease. If left untreated, it could cause your gums to erode.

Easier to Eat and Speak

If your teeth are truly wonky, you might find it hard to eat and speak normally.

Your teeth might get in the way of your tongue, causing a speech impediment. This may lower your confidence when speaking in public.

As for eating, chewing can be difficult or painful when your teeth aren’t aligned. You may be drawn to softer foods that don’t require much chewing. This could compromise your diet, leading you away from healthier, harder foods like apples, carrots, and nuts.

Straighter teeth will improve your speech and ability to eat a wider variety of foods.

Decreased Headaches and Jaw Pain

In certain cases, having misaligned teeth may mean too much pressure is placed on your jawbone and gums.

Over time, this can lead to facial pain, including headaches, jaw pain and neck pain. You may feel a constant ache or dull throb, even when you’re not eating or clenching your jaw.

Additionally, if your crooked teeth are causing you to bite down unevenly, undue strain will be placed on one side of your jaw, causing an imbalance.

Straightening your teeth removes this pressures, alleviating your pain symptoms.

Improved Self-Esteem

You might not realise how important your teeth are for your self-esteem and mental health.

An experiment done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists demonstrated the impact your teeth has in social interactions.

Participants were shown a photo of a person before having their teeth straightened, and one after. They were asked to rate the person based on ten characteristics, ranging from attractiveness to wealth.

Without fail, every participant rated the ‘after’ photo higher than the ‘before’ photo.

Your self-confidence may often be shaken by negative interactions with others due to this prejudice. Having a straight smile will prevent this, boosting your self-esteem.

Improve Your Well-Being With Straight Teeth

Having straight teeth undoubtedly offers a wide range of benefits — beyond improved visual appearance.

There are so many physical and mental health benefits to having straight gnashers. Having your teeth straightened will help you look and feel better in no time.

Buttercup Dental offers plenty of solutions for helping you achieve the straight teeth you desire. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your appointment now.