Some people consider Americans to be obsessed with having straight teeth. While there may be some truth to that, who doesn’t want to open their mouth when they smile or speak and show off perfectly straight teeth? But there are more benefits to having aligned teeth than just an attractive aesthetic. Read on to learn why there are reasons to have them beyond a good-looking smile.
Easier to Care For
Just like it’s more difficult to navigate a curvy road, so it goes with cleaning your teeth. Crooked teeth are harder to clean because of the cracks and crevices they create in your mouth. It can be difficult to angle your toothbrush just right so you can reach these spaces. Consequently, bacteria and tartar can become trapped in them, increasing your chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
Clear Communication
Believe it or not, your teeth play a vital role in your ability to speak clearly and confidently! Teeth that are crowded, gapped, or protrude from your mouth can get in the way of the lips’ and tongue’s natural movements when you talk, leading to slurring, lisping, or mispronunciation. Straight teeth can give you back confidence you didn’t even know was missing the next time you have to give a presentation at work or in the classroom.
Improved Digestion
Straight teeth mean better chewing, and better chewing is the first step in healthier food digestion.
When you chew your food thoroughly, it not only speeds up the digestion process, but it puts less strain on your intestines and stomach when absorbing your food. If you chew poorly, you don’t get all the nutrients of what you’re eating, and you can experience stomach issues like bloating, gas, and more serious problems like irritable bowel syndrome.
Mental Health
Confidence is often cited as one of the most attractive qualities a person can have, and what could improve your confidence more than a straight smile?
People with imperfect teeth tend to smile less because they feel embarrassed; this can chip away at your self-esteem and increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. On the other hand, smiling often is seen as a sign of assurance.
Stronger Teeth
Crooked or protruding teeth are not only more likely to crack in an accident than straight ones, but taking good care of them is more difficult, which can weaken them and make them more prone to breakage.
Furthermore, the straighter your teeth are, the less wear and tear you place on them, your gums, and your jaw, preserving their longevity.
As you can see, there are far more benefits to straight teeth than just looking good when you smile!
About the Practice
Are you interested in beautifying your smile? Want to improve your oral health? Let our team at Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry help you reach your dream goals! We offer Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth in no time, giving you a smile you can be proud of. We use SureSmile software to put together your orthodontic treatment plan to find the most efficient ways to move your teeth, saving you time and money. Want more information? Visit us online or call our Raleigh office at (919) 787-0355.