Few people are born with naturally straight smiles. Gapped, rotated, and crowded teeth are sources of embarrassment for many adults. Now, there are more options than ever to correct bite and alignment problems, but many people feel it isn’t worth the expense for only aesthetic purposes. Did you know straight teeth offer more than just an attractive smile? Here are 5 amazing benefits you can enjoy with the help of your orthodontist in Greenfield.
1. Improved Self-Esteem
Research shows how a person feels about their teeth directly influences their self-esteem. If you’re unhappy with your smile, you might avoid certain social settings or taking pictures because of your insecurities. You can give your confidence a boost and achieve a smile you’ll be proud to show off to change your outlook on life.
2. Better Oral Health
Misaligned teeth are difficult to clean, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Moving your teeth into their ideal positions makes your oral hygiene routine more effective to keep your teeth and gums healthy. By doing so, you’ll also decrease your overall dental expenses by preventing the need for costly treatment down the road.
3. Reduced Risk of Dental Emergencies
No one ever expects it to happen to them, but 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency each year. Although anyone can have a sudden dental problem, people who have tilted, rotated, or protruding teeth are at an increased risk, especially if there’s an impact on the face or mouth. Correcting your alignment issues and wearing an athletic mouthguard while playing sports will significantly lower your risk of needing urgent dental attention.
4. Prevent Jaw Pain
If your upper and lower teeth don’t rest together in harmony, an unbalanced bite can put strain and pressure on your temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. This can lead to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint which can cause facial pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and reoccurring headaches.
5. Less Wear and Wear
Biting and chewing generate a lot of pressure. If your teeth aren’t aligned, the pressure may not be evenly distributed, which can create added stress on your teeth. It can even erode your enamel, increasing the likeliness of chips and breaks.
Invest in a Straight Smile
If you missed your opportunity for braces as a child, or your teeth have moved over the years, you’re never too old for orthodontics. In fact, 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 18, which is largely due to less noticeable treatment options. You can improve your teeth and bite using discreet clear aligners. You’ll achieve a straight smile and better oral health using a personalized plan.
About Dr. Aaron DeMaio
Dr. DeMaio is committed to creating generations of healthy, beautiful smiles. After earning his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, he focused his training on orthodontics. He offers the latest solutions to treat a variety of bite and alignment concerns. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.