When you’ve lived with crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, you may not realize how transformative a straight smile can be for your quality of life. From better oral health to clearer speech, Village Center Dentistry can help you enjoy a straighter smile you’re proud to show off through orthodontics such as Invisalign clear braces.
A Healthier Mouth and Body
Straight teeth are easy to clean when you brush and floss. Crooked and overcrowded teeth are prone to collecting bacteria that is challenging to remove and can quickly harden into tartar. When brushing and flossing fail to effectively sweep away food debris and bacteria, the teeth may begin to decay, your gums may become irritated and, eventually, you may develop gum disease.
Gum disease is a common problem, but you may not know how serious the condition is for your overall health. Heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic diseases are linked to gum disease. Some research suggests that treating gum disease improves diabetes management, making it slightly easier to manage your blood sugar levels. Advanced gum disease can damage your jawbone and cause tooth loss, which may decrease your lifespan.
A straighter smile can help you avoid cavities and gum disease, and might improve management of other medical conditions by making it easier to care for your teeth at home.
Easier Chewing
Crooked, gapped and crowded teeth often get food stuck between them when you eat, which can be embarrassing and frustrating when you enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Food particles may not get stuck as easily between properly aligned teeth and make chewing easier. With your teeth properly gnashing your food, you may experience better digestion because your stomach does not need to break down large chunks.
Better Speech and Diction
Crooked teeth can affect your speech more than you realize because your tongue uses the back and tips of your teeth for speech and diction. Some people may experience speech impediments due to severely misaligned teeth. On the flipside, straight teeth in proper alignment allow you to form syllables clearly.
Reduced Wear on Teeth, Lower Risk of Dental Injury
Overcrowded, crooked teeth tend to protrude in your mouth, making them more susceptible to damage and injury. If you are hit while playing a contact sport or in an accident, these teeth may be knocked out or experience chips or cracks. While mouth guards can prevent dental injuries when you play sports, they require straight teeth for proper protection.
Improved Confidence in Your Social and Work Circles
If you’re proud of your teeth, you’re likely to smile more often — and smiling is enough to improve your mood. Having more confidence in your smile can open up more opportunities for your social and work life. Research suggests people with straighter teeth are more likely to get hired than their counterparts with crooked smiles, even if they have the same qualifications.
Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile Today
Contact Dr. Jennifer Santoro in San Diego to learn more about your orthodontic options if you are ready to straighten your teeth with traditional or invisible braces. Schedule your dental exam at Village Center Dentistry today.
