Having straight teeth gives you more than just cosmetic benefits. Here are 10 surprising ways life can be more worry-free with straight teeth.
1) Higher Self Esteem
Likely, the most obvious benefit of straight teeth is the increased self-confidence that comes with a healthy, beautiful smile. Increased self-confidence affects every aspect of life.
2) Fewer Cavities
Crooked or overlapping teeth are challenging to clean and floss. The food particles that cause plaque and cavities can become lodged in many areas when someone has crooked teeth. When teeth are straight and properly aligned, however, food bits lose their hiding places and can be more easily brushed and flossed away.
3) Improved Digestion
Having straight teeth can even make it easier for you to chew your food properly and maintain good nutrition. Not chewing food properly causes digestive problems because more digestion has to be done in the stomach or intestines.
4) Fewer Headaches
Crowded or crooked teeth wear unevenly. This causes jaw stress which leads to frequent headaches and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.
5) Better Gum Health
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, and clean teeth help keep gums healthy. On the other hand, crooked or crowded teeth are hard to clean, and the resulting bacteria that is harbored can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This is important, because gum disease often leads to tooth loss later in life.
6) Clear Speech
Crooked teeth can cause speech impediments which can greatly impact a person’s self-confidence, school experience, or work performance.
7) Saves Money Long-Term
It can save you money in the long run as you’ll be less likely to have future dental problems.
8) Better Overall Health
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean which means less tooth decay and gum disease. Anything you can do to eliminate tooth decay and periodontal disease is good for your health. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, among many other serious health problems.
10) More Smiling
Last but certainly not least, here’s the obvious one – having a great smile. If you have a more attractive smile, you’re just likely to smile more. And when you smile, you stimulate nerves in your face that help you actually feel happier. Numerous studies have found that having a better looking smile increases the amount you smile. More smiling leads to lower stress – who couldn’t use lower stress levels!?!?
