At McClaran Orthodontics, we believe a smile is a powerful thing. Not only does it spread joy, but it’s also a critical component of your overall health. That’s why we’re excited to share the many advantages that come with having straight teeth. From better digestion to saving money, the perks of straight teeth are vast and can elevate your life.
1: Improved Digestive Health
Straight teeth play a crucial role in the digestive process, beginning with the first bite of food. When teeth are aligned correctly, they chew more efficiently, breaking down food into smaller, more manageable pieces to make it easier for the stomach and intestines to process food and extract nutrients.
Misaligned or crooked teeth, on the other hand, can lead to improper chewing. Food that isn’t adequately broken down before swallowing becomes a choking hazard and a challenge for the digestive system to process. It’s not uncommon for those with poorly aligned teeth or jaws to experience indigestion or, in extreme cases, nutritional deficiencies due to the hasty swallowing of larger food particles.
2: Improved Oral Health
Straight teeth contribute to more than a pretty smile; they are fundamental to good oral hygiene. When teeth are correctly aligned, they are much easier to thoroughly clean. Crooked or overlapping teeth create hiding spots for plaque. If not removed, plaque can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease!
Moreover, misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear on tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to difficulties in chewing, sensitivity, and fractures in teeth.
Metal braces, LightForce clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligner treatment to correct alignment can prevent these issues, promoting a healthier mouth and even wear patterns.
3: Reduced Or Eliminated Jaw Pain, Breathing Challenges, And Speech Difficulties
Sometimes, teeth are misaligned because of how they erupted. Other times, it is because the jaws do not align. In either case, jaw pain might be one of your symptoms. The pain can spread into the neck and head. Eventually, this could develop into one of thirty temporomandibular disorders, all of which are uncomfortable and potentially incurable.
Alignments can also influence how you breathe. Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw can narrow your airway or misplace your tongue, making breathing laborious. Some common symptoms of breathing challenges include mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea. When you can breathe efficiently through your nose, you are more likely to sleep better and possess good oral health, drastically improving your quality of life.
Another area where straight teeth can make a significant difference is your communication abilities! Misplaced teeth, jaws, and tongue can result in frustrating or uncomfortable speech impediments that can make it hard for you to connect with others.
It’s not uncommon for people to notice an improvement in speech clarity, breathing, and pain after orthodontic treatment.
4: Saves Time And Money
An irregular bite pattern can pose a lot of health problems. As mentioned above, they are more prone to bacteria and plaque buildup, which can cause tooth decay. If untreated, this decay can turn into cavities, which can require root canals or tooth extractions. Unaddressed, poorly aligned jaws can result in the need for surgery or other invasive treatments.
Healthier teeth keep you out of the dentist’s office, doctor’s office, and urgent care. Though your medical professionals, including Dr. McClaran and her team, are always happy to help whenever you need it, less time in the waiting room equals more time for things you enjoy and less money spent on health-related bills.
Children can experience similar benefits. Because kids’ bones are still developing, their orthodontic treatment can be quicker, easier, and cheaper than an adult’s. Early treatment also sets the stage for developing consistent oral hygiene practices and a lifetime of healthy smiles, resulting in the previously mentioned financial and time savings throughout their life. This is why we strongly encourage children to receive their first smile assessment by age seven!
5: And Of Course, Improved Aesthetics!
The alignment of your teeth can play a significant role in your cosmetic appearance. Besides an appealing smile, properly aligned teeth and jaws can better complement facial structure, giving you a boost of confidence even when you are not grinning!
When it comes to your teeth being visible, having a conventionally attractive and healthy smile can upgrade your quality of life. The aesthetic benefits of straight teeth are clear, but their psychological boost cannot be overlooked. When you’re comfortable with your smile, it shows in your posture, speech, and willingness to step forward. Whether for a job interview, a first date, or a presentation at school, a straight smile helps you present the best version of yourself and open the door to many opportunities.
Experience The Lifestyle Difference For Yourself With The Help Of McClaran Orthodontics!
There’s no better time than now to begin improving your smile. Everyone deserves a healthy smile they are proud to show off, and McClaran Orthodontics can help you achieve it. Using the latest technology and treatment methods, Dr. McClaran creates custom treatment programs to give each patient a uniquely beneficial experience.
What are you waiting for? Discover how orthodontic treatment can benefit you by scheduling a free consultation with us in Nolensville, Tennessee, today! We can’t wait to watch your smile transform!