Far too often, patients considering starting orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign think of the decision from a purely cosmetic standpoint. But there’s far more to gain from straightening teeth than just a better-looking smile. While this is definitely a huge benefit, choosing to get braces or Invisalign is also a great decision for your overall oral health.
Lower Risk of Tooth Decay
Straightening your teeth is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of getting cavities. When teeth are crowded and crooked, it’s much easier for food particles to get stuck in places where toothbrushes can’t reach or thoroughly clean. People who never get orthodontic treatment often have spots where plaque builds up easily, which leads to tooth decay.
Getting orthodontic treatment evens out the spacing between each tooth, which gets rid of those areas where food can easily get trapped. At the same time, those little nooks and crannies that were harder to reach are suddenly gone.
Both traditional braces and Invisalign will give you straight teeth, which makes both options great for getting a healthier smile.
Even Out Your Bite
Having crooked teeth doesn’t just increase your risk of tooth decay from plaque, but it also increases your chances of having your teeth wear down unevenly in some spots due to excessive pressure.
In a healthy bite, the pressure is evenly distributed among each tooth when biting down. But if there are some teeth sticking out more than they should, they will be subject to more pressure than what they can really handle. This can lead to cracked teeth, worn down enamel, and tooth sensitivity.
Not only can orthodontic treatment with braces rotate teeth and straighten them out, it can also even out your bite to get rid of excessive pressure on some teeth.
Improved Comfort
Many patients don’t realize how much more comfortable their bite could be with straighter teeth. Having uneven teeth not only makes it more likely for your teeth to break down, but it also simply doesn’t feel too great. Many patients find they have fewer headaches and experience improved daily comfort when they address issues with their bite.
Fixing problems like crossbites, underbites, and overbites also results in improved comfort. This process involves moving the jaw, which can also be accomplished with braces or Invisalign along with rubber bands. In addition to making the bite more comfortable, addressing issues with jaw alignment also improves speaking and eating for many patients, enhancing the overall quality of life.
In addition to all of these oral health benefits of getting orthodontic treatment, you’ll of course end up with an improved smile after finishing Invisalign or braces. So whether you’re concerned about your health or you simply want to smile with more confidence — or both — you’ll be glad you decided to start treatment!
To learn more about how orthodontic treatment improves oral health and to see which option is right for you, contact Smith Orthodontics today and schedule a free consultation!
