Why Straighten Teeth?
A straighter smile has been shown to increase confidence and self esteem and cause one to smile more. But those aren’t the only advantages!
Straighter teeth are more functional and perform chewing, biting and speaking more effectively.
You may have heard the terms overbite, underbite, crossbite and crowding. These are all forms of malocclusions and can impact other dental conditions.
One impact is periodontal (gum) disease; this starts with a bacterial infection caused by inadequate hygiene. Crooked teeth are hard to clean effectively, so bacteria causing plaque and calculus can build up. When your teeth are straighter, they are easier to clean.
Biting issues and uneven wear patterns are another issue.
When your teeth are straighter, bite forces are more evenly distributed - less likely for injury and wearing down of teeth.
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also be affected if there is malalignment. Developing problems within your TMJ can lead to pain, headaches and other disorders.
There are many options for straightening your teeth, including aligning trays and orthodontic braces.