Straight, attractive teeth are associated with youth, success, and happiness; however, few people have flawless smiles naturally. Aesthetic concerns can take many forms, but gapped, overcrowded, and tilted teeth are common complaints. Although many people view alignment issues as cosmetic problems, poorly aligned teeth can affect your health and quality of life in several ways. If you’ve been putting off getting braces, here are 5 reasons to make the investment.
1. Support the Mouth and Body Connection
Your oral and general health are entwined. Various dental problems have been linked to medical conditions, specifically gum disease. The infection is a leading cause of tooth loss. It can also enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and much more. Although gum disease can occur in anyone, people with alignment problems have a higher likelihood because the teeth are harder to keep clean. Moving your teeth into their correct positions makes brushing and flossing more effective to support a healthy mouth and body.
2. Improve Your Digestion
Did you know the first stage of digestion doesn’t begin in the stomach? Chewing your food is actually the beginning of the process. If your teeth or bite aren’t aligned, it can be challenging to chew your meals thoroughly. As a result, your stomach and intestines will have to work harder, which can cause less nutrition and more stomach issues.
3. Relieve Neck and Head Pain
If the upper and lower teeth don’t come together in harmony, it can cause pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which is on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. Over time, a TMJ disorder can occur, causing several symptoms, like facial and neck pain. Bruxism often goes hand-in-hand with TMD. The added friction from grinding and clenching the teeth can worsen TMJ, while also causing dental pain and headache.
4. Reduce Future Dental Expenses
Correcting your alignment and bite is an investment in reduced oral health expenses. You’ll lessen your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other preventable issues, so you’re less likely to need costly treatment later. Addressing rotated or overcrowded teeth can also keep you out of the dental chair. Research has found that alignment problems can increase the occurrence of broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth. Braces can help you avoid an emergency dentist and unplanned dental bills.
It’s never too late to invest in the benefits of orthodontics. You have several options to fix your smile, like traditional braces or clear aligners. No matter the method you choose, you’ll enjoy better oral health and support your overall wellness, giving you two more reasons to smile confidently.
About Dr. Nathan Coughlin
Dr. Coughlin is a board-certified orthodontist. After achieving his dental degree at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, he continued his education in orthodontics. He is an award-winning orthodontist with a reputation you can trust. Contact our office today to request your consultation for a straight smile.