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When most people think of straight teeth, they often focus on the cosmetic benefits — specifically, a more attractive smile. But cosmetic improvement is just one benefit of orthodontic treatment: There are many other benefits, including benefits for your overall health and wellness.
At Volterra Dental, Richard Blackburn, DMD, MA, helps patients enjoy all the benefits of straighter teeth with state-of-the-art Invisalign® treatment. Here, he lays out five important benefits you might not have thought about.
1. Fewer cavities
Most oral health problems occur when bacteria and plaque build up, especially in the cracks and angles between and around teeth. When teeth are aligned properly, your toothbrush and floss can reach surfaces more effectively, reducing the buildup of plaque and food particles that cause cavities.
Crowded or overlapping teeth can create odd angles and tight spaces that are much more difficult to clean, even with dedicated brushing. Over time, hidden plaque and germs can lead to cavities, infections, painful symptoms, and a need for more complex treatments. Straighter teeth avoid these problems, improving oral health now and in the future.
2. Reduced risk of gum disease
Cavities aren’t the only oral health problem associated with crooked teeth. Plaque buildup in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies also increases your risk of gum disease. Germs in sticky plaque produce toxins that irritate gums, causing them to recede and create openings that allow bacteria to reach the lower parts of your teeth.
Over time, the “germ invasion” leads to root damage, tooth weakening, and eventually, tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
3. Lower risk of tooth damage
Your teeth are designed to meet in pairs—uppers and lowers—for optimal function and minimal wear and tear. Even a minor misalignment in the way your teeth meet can increase strain on tooth surfaces, leading to tiny cracks and fissures that, in turn, raise the risk of tooth decay and tooth loss. By correcting alignment issues, you avoid uneven wear, preserve tooth surfaces, and maintain the healthy appearance of your smile.
4. Decreased risk of jaw problems
Alignment issues also increase strain on your jaw joints (the temporomandibular joints or TMJ), increasing the risk of jaw pain, facial pain, and even headaches. Straightening your teeth improves the way your teeth meet, reducing muscle strain and joint issues in your jaws, eliminating the risk of TMJ disorder and its symptoms.
5. Improved confidence
Finally, one of the most noticeable and far-reaching benefits of straighter teeth is their impact on your smile and confidence. There’s no denying that properly aligned teeth improve your smile, which translates into feeling more confident about the impression you’re making. Bottom line: A more beautiful smile helps you feel better inside and out.
Learn more about Invisalign treatment
Investing in a straighter smile is one of the wisest decisions you can make for your health and wellness now and for the rest of your life.
To learn more about Invisalign treatment and how it can help you, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Blackburn and the team at Volterra Dental in Los Alamitos, California, today.