People often decide to undergo orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons, but straight teeth have dental health benefits too! Here, our Langley orthodontists explain what they are.
Having straight teeth contributes to a having a more attractive smile, but it also has a positive impact on your overall dental health.
Straight teeth last longer than crooked ones do.
Chewing and biting create significant pressure and when teeth are uneven that pressure isn't evenly distributed. This means that certain teeth and areas of your mouth are subjected to more pressure and stress than they should be. Chipped teeth, notching at the gum line, and fractures along the edges of the teeth can result from the uneven pressure, weakening your teeth and making them more susceptible to gum disease and decay.
Straight teeth reduce the risk of jaw problems.
The temporomandibular joints are the hinge joints that connect your skull to your jaw. If the temporomandibular joints are strained by an uneven bite, the result can be ringing in the ears, jaw pain, earaches, dizziness, or even headaches.
Straight teeth make preventing periodontal disease and cavities easier.
Uneven teeth have deeper, more abundant crevices in which bacteria and plaque can build up, and these areas can be quite difficult to access with a toothbrush and floss! That makes preventing periodontal disease and cavities difficult. Straight teeth help to make your at home dental hygiene routine easier and more effective.