6 Health Benefits of a Straight Smile

A beautiful smile is associated with youth, success, and confidence. Besides the color, size, and shape of your teeth, their alignment is equally important. Unfortunately, few people have straight teeth naturally. Whether you missed your chance for braces as a child, or your teeth have moved over the years, alignment issues are more than an aesthetic concern. Here are 6 health benefits of correcting bite and alignment problems.

1. Better Digestion

Did you know the first stage of digestion begins in your mouth? Chewing grinds your food into small pieces to make it easier to digest. A poor bite can make chewing less effective or painful. Fixing the relationship between your upper and lower teeth will allow you to chew your food thoroughly to promote your digestion.

2. Healthier Teeth and Gums

Overcrowded teeth are difficult to keep clean. Plaque and bacteria can get trapped in areas where teeth overlap. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Not only will you improve your oral health, but also lower your long-term dental expenses by avoiding costly treatments later.

3. Improved Speech Clarity 

Your teeth are important for more than eating or a confident smile. They also influence your ability to pronounce certain letters and sounds. Fixing alignment issues can improve your ability to speak clearly and confidently.

4. Reduced Risk of Dental Emergencies

You may not believe you’re at risk, but 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency annually. Tilted, rotated, or overlapping teeth increase your risk of oral injuries. A straight smile can help you avoid broken or chipped teeth, but don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.

5. Stop TMJ Pain

An uneven bite can cause dysfunction with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which are on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. Inflammation and stress can cause pain, tenderness, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Correcting your bite can improve your jaw’s functions and stop your TMJ pain for good.

6. Support Your Wellness

You can’t put a price on the benefits of an attractive smile. You won’t feel insecure about your teeth any longer, which means you will probably smile more often. Research has found smiling reduces stress and blood pressure while boosting your immune system.

Invest in a Straight Smile Today

You’re never too old to invest in the benefits of a straight smile. 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 18 because there are more treatment options than ever, like clear aligners. Your dentist will help you make the best choice for a healthy mouth and body.

About Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew

Dr. Pettigrew achieved his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and has completed extensive continuing education in general dentistry. Not only is he a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry but also the American Academy of Cosmetic dentistry and several additional professional organizations. If you’re ready to improve your smile, contact our office today to request an appointment.