5 Important Benefits of Straighter Teeth

“My teeth are just naturally straight and perfectly aligned,” said no one ever. There’s no disputing that straighter teeth look healthier and more attractive — and there’s also no doubt that most of us need some help getting our pearly whites perfectly aligned.

Fortunately, there are many options for getting that picture-perfect smile, including Invisalign®, braces, veneers, and even full-mouth rehabilitation designed to completely reinvent your smile. At Dental Studio of Pasadena, our team offers state-of-the-art treatments to help patients in Pasadena, California, enjoy all the benefits of straighter teeth, including the five benefits listed here.

1. Improved self-confidence

Confidence is probably the first benefit that comes to most people’s minds: When your teeth are straight and aligned, your smile looks better and more attractive to others. 

Since your smile is arguably your most noticeable feature, it’s no wonder that having a smile that looks its absolute best can lead to greater self-confidence and self-esteem — a benefit that can positively affect nearly every aspect of your life.

2. Reduced risk of cavities

Teeth that are crooked or uneven create lots of nooks and crannies that trap tiny food particles and provide ideal anchoring spots for decay-causing bacteria. As bacteria feed on those food particles, they produce acids that eat into tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to cavities.

Crooked teeth are also harder to clean with brushing and flossing routines. Straightening your teeth and eliminating unusual spaces makes it easier to keep your teeth clean — and more difficult for food and bacteria to find hiding places.

3. Reduced risk of gum disease

The same nooks and crannies that increase your risk of cavities can also increase your risk of gum disease. The acids released by bacteria irritate your gums, causing them to pull away from the tooth surfaces. 

Receding gums create tiny pockets that allow bacteria to access the roots and root pockets, leading to inflammation, infection, and, eventually, tooth loss, a major complication of gum disease. Closing up those gaps and crevices by aligning your teeth reduces bacterial activity and makes it easier for brushing and flossing to remove bacteria along the gum line.

4. Better bite function

Ideally, your upper teeth and lower teeth line up and complement each other, supporting healthy bite function and reducing strain on your jaw joints. Crooked teeth disrupt that balance, leading to excess joint strain and chronic jaw and facial pain.

Without treatment, you can develop a painful condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and uneven tooth wear can also increase your risks of cavities, tooth fractures, gum recession, and gum disease. Straightening your teeth rebalances your bite, reducing jaw strain and avoiding uneven wear and tear on your teeth, too.

It’s important to note that while veneers can help your teeth look straight and healthy, they’re a cosmetic treatment and not designed to treat medical issues like jaw or bite issues.

5. Cost savings over time

Getting that beautiful, straight smile comes at a cost, but considering straighter teeth can reduce your risks of oral health problems later on, the price you pay now can yield more significant future savings. Better still, it could also mean less risk of needing dentures or implants later.

Straighter teeth can improve your smile, but they can also provide significant benefits for your oral health (and your budget). To learn how we can help you enjoy straighter teeth and a better-aligned smile, call 626-329-4658 or request an appointment online with the Dental Studio of Pasadena team today.