Often people decide to undergo orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons. But what you may not know is that there are dental health benefits to having straight teeth, too! Here, our Vancouver orthodontists explain what they are.
Of course having straight teeth contributes to a having a more attractive smile, but it also has a positive impact on your dental health.
Straight teeth last longer than crooked ones do.
Biting and chewing create significant pressure. When teeth are uneven the pressure from biting and chewing is not evenly distributed. The result can be that certain teeth and areas of your mouth are subjected to more pressure and stress than they should be, and this in turn can lead to chipped teeth, notching at the gum line, and fractures along the edges of the teeth. All of which weakens your teeth, and makes them more susceptible to gum disease and decay.
Straight teeth reduce the risk of jaw problems.
Uneven teeth put a strain on the jaw joints. The temporomandibular joints are the hinge joints that connect your skull to your jaw. If the temporomandibular joints are strained by an uneven bite, it can result in 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. Those areas can be quite difficult to access with a toothbrush and floss. As a result, periodontal disease and cavities can form in these areas relatively unchecked, despite your best efforts at oral hygiene. Straight teeth are simply easier to clean than crooked teeth!