Your teeth are one of the main focal points of your appearance, so having a picture-perfect smile can make a massive difference in how you look and feel. Straightening your pearly whites can also make your teeth easier to clean and lead to better oral health.
Deciding to straighten your teeth can take a lot of thought and research, especially if you’re unsure how much braces or clear aligners cost. Continue reading to learn more about why straightening your teeth is so important.
Easier to keep teeth and gums clean
Straightening your teeth is important because it makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean. You’ll find fewer places for food to get stuck in when your teeth are straightened. If you have crooked teeth, food can easily get trapped in the spaces between them, which can make it difficult to brush and floss properly and eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Can improve appearance and confidence
Have you ever felt afraid to smile because of the imperfections in your teeth, like an overbite or crooked teeth? Getting your teeth straightened can help to improve both your appearance and confidence. You may feel better about yourself when you smile and less self-conscious around others. Straightened teeth also show others that you have good hygiene and care for yourself.
Provides several health benefits
Dental issues from the misalignment of your teeth can deeply affect your overall health. Straightening your teeth can help you live a more fulfilled life, knowing that you don’t have to deal with the stress and discomfort of physical ailments rooted in your dental health.
Some of the health benefits of straightened teeth include:
- Healthier gums
- Helps with sleep apnea
- Decreases risk of tooth decay
- Improves how you chew
- Reduces aches and discomfort
- Prevents jaw strain
- Helps avoid periodontal disease
Types of teeth straightening methods
If you’re interested in correcting your teeth, you can set up a consultation with an orthodontist to determine your options. You’ll likely discuss the two most common methods of straightening, which are braces and clear aligners.
Braces
Braces are a type of dental appliance used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They are made of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and a metal wire that runs through the brackets. The wire is tightened periodically to move the teeth into their correct position gradually. Braces can often take up to two years to straighten your teeth, depending on how much correcting you need.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are basically invisible braces that are used to straighten teeth. They’re made of a clear, plastic material that’s almost invisible when worn. Clear aligners are a popular choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.
Clear aligners can sometimes straighten your teeth in half the time (one year), which is a great bonus. They’re also more comfortable than braces and can be easily removed, allowing you to eat meals and brush and floss effortlessly. The average treatment time with aligners is around one year or less, depending on your case and treatment.
The bottom line
Having straight teeth is important for many reasons. It can boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. It can also make it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy, as straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. Finally, straight teeth can benefit your overall health and wellness from conditions like gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, consult with a qualified orthodontist to discuss your options.
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