Why straighten crooked teeth? Have you ever wondered why it is so important to have straight teeth? Do your choppers really need to be straight? Are truly straight teeth attractive as well as necessary? The answer is yes to all of these questions. Making everything straight offers a multitude of benefits. Dr. James Fondriest in Chicago, IL explains the importance of straight teeth.
Why straighten crooked teeth?
While people may cite appearance as the major reason for straight teeth, there are additional as well as practical reasons we need proper alignment. Some of those reasons include:
- The ability to speak better: Thankfully, straight teeth make it easier to speak and be understood. When you say something, your words are less likely to be slurred and inaudible. Better speech means better confidence.
- Ability to bite and chew food better: Straight teeth give you a more prominent bite. Malocclusion is the misalignment of your top and bottom teeth when your mouth is closed. When your teeth are straight, your bite is more powerful; you will also chew and enjoy your food better, with aligned teeth.
- More effective dental hygiene: Crooked teeth can make daily dental hygiene maintenance difficult. Crowded teeth are more prone to cavities because brushing and flossing are not as effective. The nooks formed by crowded teeth catch food, which attract harmful plaque-producing bacteria, leading to decay. Bacteria and plaque have a better chance of building up on misaligned teeth. If bacterial plaque is not removed efficiently, gingivitis may develop which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, as well as tooth loss. With straight teeth, gums have a better chance of staying healthier. Additionally, you can eat a variety of foods, without the risk of developing periodontal disease or other painful and expensive oral health problems.
- Reduction in tooth decay: When your teeth are misaligned, you risk developing tooth decay at a much higher rate. Patients with crooked teeth usually have higher levels of tarter and plaque. Brushing crooked teeth proves to be more difficult to position the toothbrush to remove bacteria and plaque. Your misaligned teeth can prevent you from having access to certain areas in your mouth. This makes tartar, plaque, and other residue, stay and build. Over time, this build-up can lead to tooth decay. Well aligned teeth are easier to clean, leading to a decreased chance in developing tooth decay.
- Appearance and confidence: Your appearance affects your self-confidence. Crooked teeth make us self-conscious. Studies show that an attractive, confident smile can increase your success. This can lead to more interaction with others that is positive. With your confidence, you can confidently perform daily tasks, execute duties at your job more efficiently and speak with assurance. So, move forward with that raise or second date you are asking for! Your nice smile will help! Teeth are one of the first things other people notice about you, so why not put your best smile forward?
- Reduction in tooth injury: Having well aligned teeth can decrease your chance of tooth injury. Protruding and crowded teeth are more likely to be damaged in an accident.
- Lessen risk of TMJ disorder: Cooked teeth are also problematic when it comes to TMJ disorder. Because of your uneven bite and wear on your teeth, you could develop problems with your jaw and mouth, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Your uneven bite may also lead to neck pressure and headaches.
- A longer life: According to research, flossing your teeth daily can potentially help you live longer. One study found that people who flossed daily lived on average, seven years longer than those who didn’t. It is much easier and more effective to floss straighter teeth, than crowded teeth.
- Better overall health: Research has proven that there is a link between oral health and overall health. Therefore, when your mouth is healthy, you decrease the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart disease, dementia and other ailments. According to a 2009 study which was published in the American Journal of Cardiology, people with gum disease were 24 to 35 percent more likely to suffer coronary artery disease. Additional studies indicated that people with gum disease are two times more likely to die from a heart attack, and three times more likely to suffer a stroke.
- Cost-effective: Your straight teeth can cost you less in the long run. For example, with crowded teeth, there will always be a need for intense dental cleanings, and the risks for treatment of oral diseases increases. Misaligned teeth will always present an issue, whether it be insufficient plaque removal, tooth decay or other oral issues.
How to straighten crowded teeth
There are several dental treatments that will give you the straight and stellar smile you want and deserve. Some of our procedures that help to create straight teeth are:
- Cosmetic bonding: Cosmetic bonding is a relatively easy and cost-effective procedure that we provide. Not only can cosmetic bonding remedy gaps in teeth, but it is a viable alternative for teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken.
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are a great way to straighten crooked teeth. Manufactured from thin and translucent materials, veneers can close gaps as well as fix discolored teeth.
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns are another way to straighten crooked teeth. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps or covers, placed over natural teeth. Crowns are a great way to fix damaged, decayed, and cracked teeth.
We also provide teeth whitening that help to enhance a straight smile as well.
Learn more about the Importance Of Straight Teeth
At our practice, we provide an array of options for straightening teeth. In a warm, judgement-free and compassionate dental environment, you can speak to us about the desires, issues and concerns you have, regarding your smile. As a world-renowned dentist, Dr. James Fondriest specializes corrective and restorative dentistry. With an emphasis on health, he performs procedures that ensure vitality. He also provides procedures that improve the quality of life for all for all of his patients. So, for the straight teeth that you deserve in a gentle dental environment, contact our practice. We serve individuals and families in the Metropolitan Chicago area, including the North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Connect with us online, or give us a call at 847-234-0517. We look forward to helping you put your best smile forward!