When most people choose to straighten their teeth, their number one goal is to get a picture-perfect smile. While it’s true that braces or Invisalign treatment can make an aesthetically pleasing grin possible, there are many more benefits of straight teeth to look forward to! From better oral hygiene to reducing wear and tear for a lifetime of smiles, knowing the benefits can help you make the right decision for your orthodontic care.
The Benefits of Straight Teeth
With so many reasons to smile, you can start getting excited about your orthodontic treatment at Scott Orthodontics.
Better Oral Hygiene
You may not realize it, but crowded, crooked, and misaligned teeth can be difficult to keep clean. Even though you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing as recommended, the little nooks and crannies created by misalignment make it easier for cavity-causing bacteria to hide and remain in your mouth despite your best efforts.
When you get orthodontic treatment for a straight smile, however, you’ll enjoy better oral hygiene overall. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing your likelihood of developing cavities or gum disease. Plus, you could even get whiter, brighter teeth as a result of cleaning away all that plaque buildup!
Improved Oral Health
Naturally, if your teeth are cleaner, they’re more likely to be healthier as well – but we can’t overstate the importance of this oral health boost! Misaligned teeth are often correlated with inflamed gums, gum disease and an increased risk of wear and tear or even injury. That’s because misalignment can put extra pressure on some teeth, causing them to wear down more easily. All this stress can hurt your jaw joints and result in enamel weakening.
When you have straight teeth, however, the force of biting and chewing is distributed more evenly, protecting your teeth and preventing issues.
Boosted Confidence
Audrey Hepburn was right: happy smiles are the prettiest! Sometimes, however, having crooked or crowded teeth can hurt your self-confidence and even cause you to hide your smile. When you feel the urge to cover your mouth when you laugh or when you find yourself looking harshly at your smile in the mirror, getting braces or Invisalign could help.
Straight smiles are happy smiles. Patients of all ages, from 7 to 70, report feeling better about the way they look as a result of orthodontic treatment, and you can, too. Whether you’re a teen ready to reach an important coming-of-age milestone or an adult preparing for a wedding or new job, a straight smile can give you the confidence you need to tackle the next phase of life.
Clearer Speech
Your teeth play a key role in how you pronounce your words – but if your teeth are severely misaligned or your bite is off, you might struggle with some sounds. On the other hand, gaps between the teeth can cause slurring or even whistling during speech, which could affect your daily life.
Orthodontic treatment can improve speech impediments like lisps by adjusting the bite and improving the posture of the mouth. Eliminating the space between your teeth can also give you more control over the sounds you make, reducing whistling or slurring effects.
Easier Digestion
There’s no doubt about it: the first tool in the digestive process is your teeth! If your teeth are misaligned, however, it can be difficult to chew your food properly. Getting straight teeth with orthodontic treatment can improve your ability to chew, making the digestive process easier as a result.
How Can I Get a Straight Smile?
Everyone’s treatment journey is different. Some people never need orthodontic treatment to get straight teeth, while others need help from braces or clear aligners to reach their smile goals. In either case, we recommend checking in with your orthodontist at key stages in your life so that you can start treatment at the exact right time for your needs.
Schedule Your Child’s First Visit by 7 Years Old
When your child turns 7, it’s time for them to get an orthodontic check-up. At this age, they have the perfect mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which can give your orthodontist a snapshot of how well their jaws are developing. At this time, he can determine whether they’ll need early orthodontic treatment, known as Phase I, or if they can wait until the rest of their adult teeth have emerged.
Get Growth Checkups
Even if your child doesn’t start Phase I treatment, it’s important to continue visiting Scott Orthodontics for frequent checkups. Yearly growth assessments help us keep track of how your child’s teeth are growing and whether treatment will be necessary. This way, we perfect our timing so your child starts treatment at the exact right time for their needs.
Follow Treatment Instructions
Once you have braces or clear aligners, it’s important to follow all the recommendations your orthodontist gives you so that you can finish treatment effectively. Then, once you’re done with active treatment, be sure to wear your retainers to maintain your straight smile for a lifetime!
Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Tune Up!
Did you know that one in every four orthodontic patients is an adult? It’s not totally uncommon for the teeth to shift back to their original positions if you don’t wear your retainer as you should, but quick touch-ups can get you right back on track. Plus, with modern appliances like Invisalign clear aligners, you can straighten your smile without attracting notice.
Straighten Your Smile at Scott Orthodontics
The benefits of having a straight smile are almost endless, and we can’t wait to help you get yours. With treatment options for patients of all ages and needs, we make treatment accessible, convenient, and comfortable. If you’re ready to benefit from your own straight smile, it’s time to call our team!