Unlocking The Health Benefits of Straight Teeth: Why A Perfect Smile Matters

There’s no denying the attraction of a beautiful straight smile but have you ever wondered about the benefits that go beyond good looks? If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth for purely cosmetic reasons, then understanding the health benefits of straight teeth might help push you in the right direction.

Straight teeth can make a significant difference to your oral and overall health. Let’s jump in and take a look:

1. Simpler oral care and healthier gums - One of the key advantages of having straight teeth is the ease with which you can maintain good oral hygiene. Straight teeth allow your toothbrush bristles to effectively reach all areas of your mouth, making brushing and flossing more efficient. This helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your teeth free of harmful bacteria. Crooked teeth, on the other hand, often overlap, creating hard-to-reach areas that can trap plaque and bacteria. Over time, this can compromise your gum and teeth health, leading to chronic gum disease, which may result in redness, swelling, bleeding, tooth mobility, jawbone loss, or bad breath.
2. Enhanced self-esteem and confidence - Everyone’s smile is unique, but misaligned teeth can sometimes affect self-esteem, making you more self-conscious and less likely to smile confidently. Studies show that crooked teeth can negatively impact mental health, particularly in children and teenagers. Achieving a straighter smile can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, straight teeth are often considered an asset in certain professions where appearance plays a crucial role.
3. Lower risk of dental injuries - Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to injury, especially if you have protruding upper front teeth, also known as an “increased overjet.” This condition is common and is a major contributor to sudden dental trauma. Research indicates that the greater the overjet, the higher the risk of tooth cracks and fractures, depending on the intensity of the impact. People with protruding front teeth are also more prone to sports-related dental injuries.
4. Improved speech clarity - One of the often-overlooked benefits of straight teeth is clearer speech. Studies suggest that narrow dental arches, irregularly positioned teeth, and gaps between the upper front teeth can cause speech difficulties. For instance, individuals with an open bite may struggle with a lisp and have trouble correctly pronouncing sounds like “s,” “z,” “t,” and “d.”
5. More effective chewing - Straight teeth contribute to a better bite, allowing for improved teeth-to-teeth contact during chewing. This makes it easier to break down solid foods into smaller, more digestible pieces, aiding in better digestion.
6. Prevention of tooth wear - Crooked teeth can cause uneven pressure on certain teeth, leading to premature wear and tear. If left untreated, this can result in an imbalanced bite, which may strain the jaw muscles, cause jaw pain, and even lead to persistent migraines.

If you’ve been questioning the importance of straight teeth, you now know that properly aligned teeth don’t just look good, they help improve your oral and overall health.

So, armed with the benefits of straight teeth, you may be wondering just how you’re going to achieve a straighter smile. There are a few popular options to choose from:

Aligners

Patients often ask whether they can achieve straight teeth without traditional braces. Well, the answer is yes. Depending on the complexity of your misalignment or malocclusion aligners may be a good solution.

Clear aligner systems such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect are two of the most popular methods of straightening teeth, particularly for self-conscious teens and adults. Worn over the teeth like a mouthguard, these custom-made devices apply gentle pressure to the teeth to shift them into the right place, a bit like metal braces only without the wire and brackets.

The aligner market is growing at a rapid pace, having an estimated size of  US$2.49 billion in 2023 and estimated to reach US$3.5 million in this current year (2024). This is partly due to:

• Increasing prevalence of malocclusions
• Advancements in infrastructure and technology, including CAD/CAM software and digital radiography.

The benefits of aligners when compared to traditional braces include:

• Almost invisible in appearance and comfortable
• Easier to maintain oral health because they can be removed for brushing and flossing
• No dietary restrictions
• Fewer dental appointments

Crowns and veneers

Dental crowns encompass the whole tooth to strengthen its integrity and improve its aesthetic, restoring normal shape and function.  Typically they’re used to improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth, conceal heavy staining, and hide extensive decay.

Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells of porcelain affixed to the front surface of teeth. They’re often used to close tooth gaps and to conceal chips and cosmetic flaws.

While they should never be used as a replacement for orthodontic teeth straightening, they can help individuals whose smile is marred by just one or two problem teeth, achieve a cosmetically beautiful straight smile.

How long does it take to straighten teeth?

Everyone responds differently to orthodontic treatment and how long it takes to work depends on the complexity of the case and the commitment of the individual. The more complex the case, the longer it takes to achieve noticeable results. The average treatment time with aligners is around 10-12 months but it can be as short as 4-6 months or as long as 2 years.

We mention commitment because, with clear aligners, a person must wear them in the mouth for 22 hours a day, removing them just to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean their teeth. Failure to do this can severely impact treatment and anticipated results may not be achieved.

Are you unhappy with your smile?

With so many benefits of straight teeth to consider, isn’t it time you had a chat with your dentist about the best options for you?

If you’re seeking a new dentist in or around the Chesterfield Area of St. Louis, Missouri, why not get in touch with Chesterfield Dentistry? We’d love to see you. Call today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking system.