Why Straighten Teeth?

Why Straighten Teeth?

Are you wondering whether it might be worth the investment to straighten your teeth? Of course, the obvious answer to “why straighten teeth?” is that straighter teeth simply look better, but it goes much deeper than that.

If you are thinking of getting your teeth straightened in Long Beach, California, read on for more information as to why this is a great idea, beyond just the cosmetic benefits.

Why Should Teeth Be Straightened?

Beyond the clear benefits in improved cosmetic appearance of the smile, straighter teeth actually also have many positive health benefits. Teeth that are misaligned or crooked can be more difficult to clean, which can lead to oral health problems. But misaligned teeth can also cause a host of other issues that might not seem directly related at first, from TMJ syndrome to sleep apnea.

If you live in Southern California, likely a good part of your reasoning for getting your teeth straightened is your appearance. But it can also benefit your health tremendously.

How Do Straightened Teeth Help with Self-Confidence?

For whatever the reason, straighter teeth are simply more visually appealing. A uniform smile with aligned teeth looks more symmetrical and is thus more pleasing to the eye.

Crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, or teeth with gaps in them end up drawing attention to themselves, so if you smile your misaligned teeth can detract from the attractive features of the rest of your face.

For this reason, many people with crooked or gapped teeth end up avoiding smiling, or at least try not to smile with their mouth open. If you have gotten into the habit of smiling with your mouth closed because you are ashamed of your teeth, then teeth straightening can help. Straighter teeth will help you feel more confident and attractive.

Why Are Straighter Teeth Easier to Clean?

Teeth that are misaligned often become crowded in certain places. When this happens, it becomes much harder to brush and floss properly. Even flossing between certain teeth can become quite challenging. When brushing and flossing is subpar, it can lead to plaque and tartar build-up, which inflame the gums and can cause gum disease. Cavities may also be more likely.

Are Straighter Teeth Less Likely to Cause Dental Problems?

As we have explained, when teeth are crooked, crowded together, or overlap, they are harder to clean properly. This can increase plaque and tartar, which are known to cause gum disease and cavities. However, crooked teeth can also cause dental problems in other ways.

For example, a tooth that is jutting out at the wrong angle could end up rubbing against the soft tissue of the mouth, causing irritation and inflammation. Or, misaligned teeth can cause issues with the bite, causing uneven wear and tear on teeth.

How Do Straighter Teeth Improve the Bite and Jaw Function?

Teeth work best when they are straight and aligned, with proper spacing between each adjacent tooth. The spacing between teeth doesn’t just apply from left to right but also up and down, between the top row of teeth and the bottom row of teeth.

If a few teeth are jutting up at a wrong angle, they could potentially create a gap in the bite in other areas. This type of gap can make it more difficult to chew and put unnecessary stress on the jaw. Furthermore, a misaligned bite might also make it more difficult to articulate certain sounds properly, which can then negatively impact speaking ability.

Finally, if only a few teeth are meeting together between top and bottom when biting, those teeth will bear the brunt of the work. This means they will be more likely to wear down prematurely, which can cause other dental issues.

Straightening teeth can dramatically improve the contact between top and bottom teeth, enhancing the bite and making it easier to speak and chew.

What Happens to the Jaw When the Bite Is Uneven?

If a person’s bite is uneven, it can negatively impact the jaw. How so? The jaw is what works when you chew. The “hinge” of the jaw, which is the connecting point on the sides of the face called the temporomandibular joint, can become tense from overuse or pressure. This can lead to chronic pain and even swelling, which is called TMJ syndrome or TMJ disorder.

TMJ syndrome can actually lead to some serious problems such as lockjaw, which is where the jaw freezes up and is unable to move or open fully.

What Is the Relationship Between Jaw Alignment and Sleep Disorders?

Believe it or not, snoring and sleep apnea can sometimes be caused or aggravated by poor jaw alignment. For example, a deep overbite, where the top teeth are misaligned too far forward over the bottom teeth, can cause the tongue to shift to the back of the mouth, which can block the air passageway.

Sleep apnea is very disruptive to life and health, because you might be constantly waking up in the middle of the night and not resting fully. This can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and an inability to concentrate and focus properly. It can also make it more dangerous to operate a moving vehicle because you may be less attentive or more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.

What Is the Difference Between Braces and Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Both braces and Invisalign clear aligners can straighten teeth, and both can work for children and adults.

If you are an adult looking to straighten teeth, you might prefer Invisalign clear aligners, because they are entirely see-through and don’t have the obvious appearance that metal braces have. Braces, on the other hand, can’t be removed and thus may be preferred for people who don’t want a lot of fuss, or for children who might have a tendency to lose their Invisalign clear aligners.

At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we will evaluate your personal situation to see which type of appliance might work best for you or your child.

Get Straighter Teeth with the Help of Orthodontics of Long Beach

As you can see, getting teeth straightened is more than just vanity. Straighter teeth have many positive health benefits, including being easier to brush and floss, which makes them less vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. If you would like straighter teeth in Southern California, Orthodontics of Long Beach can help.

Would you like straighter teeth and all the benefits that go with it? Call Orthodontics of Long Beach today for a consultation. We offer both braces and Invisalign clear aligners to help you get an amazing smile.

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