Did you know the benefits of realigning your teeth go far beyond a beautiful smile? Dillehay Orthodontics is thrilled to spread the word about the positive effects of orthodontic treatment that go far beyond aesthetics. Read on to learn the five health benefits of straight teeth!
Are Naturally Straight Teeth Possible?
It is rare to enjoy straight teeth without getting dental work done. Many factors, including genetics, early childhood habits, and environmental interactions, influence the positioning of your teeth. Your daily habits also affect how your teeth develop and how their overall health prospers over time. While some teeth may appear perfectly aligned, they often could still use work to maximize function and health.
1) Protection From Everyday Wear and Tear
Actions such as chewing can cause uneven pressure on your teeth when misaligned. When your teeth cannot distribute force evenly across your mouth, the results can include loss of enamel, cracks, chips, and sometimes erosion over a long period of time. Chewing food with crooked teeth can also cause discomfort if you bite down too hard or in the wrong direction.
Straightening your teeth protects you against these complications and makes them better equipped to handle everyday wear and tear, especially for those with bite issues. It can even help to reduce chronic headaches related to dental malalignment!
2) Enjoy Renewed Self-Esteem
A brand-new smile has the power to bolster your confidence and make you feel like a completely different person! After straightening your teeth, you will be working with a fresh slate. You’ll see the incredible impact that treatment can have in just about a year!
The results of putting your time and effort into achieving a dazzling smile can last a lifetime. A grin is your greatest asset and can positively affect both your professional and personal relationships!
3) Decreased Chance of Dental Injuries
You may be more likely to suffer a dental injury if your teeth protrude outward, are crowded, or are angled in different directions. Teeth that are out of place from their ideal alignment are not adequately covered or protected by your jawbone, gums, and lips.
When you engage in sports, take a fall, or otherwise suffer trauma to your teeth and gums, you could experience chipped or even broken teeth. Proactively seeking orthodontic treatment before an accident can help prevent the need for more complex procedures that put your original teeth at risk.
4) Lower Risk of Gum Disease
Good oral hygiene becomes challenging when there are hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and gums to clean, which can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease. Straightening your teeth and allowing your gums to fit around them properly protects you from bone loss and further bite issues, which can negatively affect other areas of your health.
Dr. JK recommends staying on top of your daily brushing and flossing routine as often as possible to promote oral and general health!
5) Speak More Confidently
If your teeth are slightly out of place, you may notice that you pronounce certain words differently from your friends and family. How your teeth and tongue interact is negatively affected by bite issues. Angled or out-of-place teeth can also cause poor articulation or a lisp.
Pursuing treatment can help align your teeth and correctly position your tongue to move and rest as needed when speaking. This includes improving your airflow throughout your mouth without obstruction. Providing a direct path for airflow allows for improved pronunciation, projection, and volume.
Treatment Options to Achieve Perfectly Aligned Teeth
Clear Aligners
If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing appearance while undergoing treatment, you can rely on clear aligners to provide a nearly invisible look while achieving your smile goals. You’ll receive a series of plastic trays to switch out every two weeks as your teeth shift into a new position closer to perfect alignment. At Dillehay Orthodontics, we offer 3M Clarity Aligners as well as our in-house brand, Simply Clear.
Metal Braces
A tried-and-true option, metal braces are what you likely think of when you hear the word “braces.” Made of brackets, wires, and elastics, they can fix even the most complex alignment issues. Metal braces continue to advance each year and are now smaller and more comfortable than ever!
Clear Braces
Made of tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic, clear braces are another fantastic, nearly invisible choice you can enjoy. A hybrid between metal braces and clear aligners, they shift your teeth like the former and have the aesthetic appeal of the latter. Clear braces are very popular among older teens and adults looking to create perfect smiles.
Lingual Braces
Whereas our other options are somewhat visible on the front of your teeth, you can’t see lingual braces at all! They are placed on the inner surface of your teeth so you can continue your daily routine as if they weren’t there—no need to worry about food restrictions or special tools to use while brushing and flossing!
Protect Your Health for a Lifetime!
At Dillehay Orthodontics, we strive to provide our patients with the resources to protect their health and enjoy the smile they deserve. Our team serves East and West Wichita, Derby, and the surrounding communities with exceptional orthodontic services to protect your dental health. Schedule your free consultation today!