When most people think about straightening their teeth, the first thing that comes to mind is the appearance of their smile. That makes sense; a straight even smile does look great. But there’s more to it than appearances alone. Straighter teeth are usually healthier teeth too, and that’s something that we will look at in today’s Rushey Green Dental Practice blog.
When your teeth line up correctly, meeting other teeth as they should, they are easier to look after, kinder on your gums, and less prone to long-term wear and tear. Let us take a closer look at why this is the case.
Crooked or crowded teeth create lots of little hiding spots for plaque and bacteria to collect and thrive. If you have ever tried to floss between overlapping teeth (and you should floss every day!), you’ll know exactly what we mean. It can feel like threading a needle in the dark. Those hard to reach places are where decay and gum problems often start.
When our Catford dental patient’s teeth are straighter, brushing and flossing becomes much more straightforward. The toothbrush bristles actually reach the surfaces they are meant to, and floss can slide between teeth without a fight. This makes your daily routine far easier and also more effective and reduces the chance of cavities and gum disease building up in the first place.
Your gums are the foundations of your teeth. When teeth are out of line, the gums around them can end up under extra pressure or looking uneven. Over time, that can make them more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
With straighter teeth, the forces are shared out more evenly. That balance helps your gums stay firm and supportive. Healthy gums are what keep teeth in place for life, so it isn’t something that you should overlook.
Teeth are designed to work together, like pieces of a puzzle. If some of them don’t fit quite right, it throws the whole system off balance. This can often be seen in patients who grind down certain teeth more quickly, or who chip the edges because those teeth are taking more than their fair share of the pressure.
Sometimes, bite problems even affect the jaw joint (TMJ), leading to discomfort or headaches. Straightening the teeth helps even things out so that the bite works as nature intended. It’s more comfortable and much kinder to your teeth in the long run.
People who are happy with their smile often look after their teeth better. Once someone has gone through orthodontic treatment, they tend to brush more carefully, floss more often, and keep up with regular check-ups because they are proud of their teeth.
Confidence then, often encourages better oral health habits, and better habits mean healthier teeth.
Years ago, straightening teeth usually meant using fixed braces with very visible wires and brackets. These days though, we also have the option of using clear aligners, such as the Invisalign orthodontics system at our Catford dentist, which are almost invisible and also removable which makes it easier to eat and to clean your teeth for the duration of the treatment.
It can take just a matter of weeks for small adjustments, while others take longer if the bite needs more correction. Whatever the problem, the principle is the same: we move the teeth into the correct positions so that they are easier to clean, and therefore less likely to cause problems down the line.
Not by themselves. You could have perfectly straight teeth and still run into trouble if you don’t brush properly or if your diet is high in sugary foods and drinks. However, straight teeth take away a lot of the obstacles that get in the way of good cleaning and balanced biting. Combine that with solid oral hygiene and regular dental visits, and you’ve given yourself a strong foundation for long-term health of the oral cavity.
Straighter teeth aren’t just for show. They’re easier to clean, they’re gentler on your gums, they help your bite work properly, and they reduce the risk of damage. Add in the confidence boost that many people experience and it’s easy to see why orthodontic treatment is such a worthwhile investment for many patients.
So if you have ever considered straightening your teeth, don’t see it purely as a cosmetic choice. Think of it as a step toward protecting your oral health for years to come as well. A straight smile really can be a healthier one. Why not make an appointment to have an initial consultation with us. You can do so by calling the Rushey Green Dental Practice on 020 8314 5066.
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