Having straighter, beautiful teeth can help a lot of individuals to feel more confident about the way they look. From smiling in photographs more to striking up conversations in social settings, the effects of orthodontic therapy are priceless.
But have you ever considered the actual health benefits of straightening your teeth? Here are a few to think about:
Lowering Your Risk of Tooth Decay
Tightly fitted teeth may feel impossible to clean with your toothbrush and floss. Not only do you see more build-up and staining across your smile, you may also notice that you’re having far more cavities repaired than those around you.
Combatting Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Periodontal disease can strain your immune system… increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more. Crowded or crooked teeth are far more likely to be effected by this infection. Aligning them with braces or removable orthodontic trays creates a harmonious bite that is easier to care for and maintain.
Preserving Your Dental Work
If your teeth bite against each other in an atypical manner, it can cause pressure points that bear far more weight than they ought to. This leads to those areas fracturing or becoming flat. When crowns or other type of dental work are involved, it may even break the restoration.
With orthodontic therapy, you can align the teeth in a way that allows them to function effectively and efficiently: reducing the risk of pressure points.
Managing TMJ Disorder
Like your teeth, your jaws are designed to function in a particular way. Having a bite that’s “off” may mean making slight movements that wear on your jaw muscles over time. Eventually this can lead to headaches or TMJ disorder (TMJD.) Orthodontic therapy is part of a comprehensive approach to treating this joint problem.
Ready to schedule your orthodontic evaluation? Contact Sapphire Dentistry today. We’re open late!