If you have a crooked grin, you might think of your condition as more of an aesthetic frustration than an actual dental concern. However, overcrowded and gapped teeth can also detract from your dental health in several ways. For instance, it’s harder to keep them clean if you can’t reach all their surfaces when brushing and flossing, which increases the likelihood of developing issues like gum disease, cavities, or injuries.
Thankfully, your orthodontist can straighten your smile to boost your confidence and your oral well-being. Continue reading to learn 3 additional advantages of undergoing orthodontic treatments to correct your misalignments!
Perk #1: Improved Digestion
Would you be surprised to learn that digestion begins in your mouth and not in your stomach? Your teeth are responsible for grinding your meals sufficiently enough to be easily swallowed, and your saliva contains enzymes that start breaking down carbohydrates and fats while you chew.
Unfortunately, if your pearly whites aren’t in their correct positions, you’re less able to chew sufficiently to break down bigger pieces of food. You might swallow bits too large to be absorbed in the digestive tract, which can cause blockages or other gastrointestinal issues. Solutions like braces or clear aligners can ensure that your teeth come together correctly to avoid potential stomach problems.
Perk #2: Enhanced Enunciation
Not only are teeth essential for eating, but they also play a pivotal role in your ability to communicate. You press your tongue against them in specific ways to form various sounds needed to speak clearly so that others can easily understand you.
If you have gaps in your grin or your teeth overlap, you might develop changes in your speech patterns, like a slur or a lisp when trying to pronounce sounds like “s”, “v”, or “th”. Fortunately, many patients can overcome verbal impediments resulting from misaligned smiles after a few months of orthodontic treatment.
Perk #3: Reduced Aches
When your teeth are improperly placed, they won’t touch where they should when you close your mouth, which causes your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) that connect your jaw to your skull to overcompensate to perform basic tasks, like chewing or talking. Over time, the added pressure on these sliding disc joints can trigger swelling and throbbing that contribute to a stiff or locked jaw, headaches, and neck pain.
Different orthodontic services, like traditional braces and Invisalign, can adjust your alignment to ensure your upper and lower arches come together poperly, though this might require bands or additional accessories to complete.
If you’re unsure which orthodontic service is right for you, the best way to learn is to contact your provider to schedule a consultation!
About the Practice
Patients at Parker Dental & Orthodontics benefit from a team of oral healthcare providers eager to help improve your daily quality of life by enhancing your dental condition. With general dentists and an orthodontist in the office, they can provide a comprehensive menu of services to address your and your family’s unique needs. Whether you have a slightly crooked grin or more severe tooth or bite misalignments, they can help. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!