Crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth can make it hard to share your smile with confidence. Many people come to us for teeth straightening treatments in Washington Heights because they want a straighter, more beautiful smile. But did you know that straightening your teeth can also keep them healthier?
Here are five great reasons to consider orthodontics for your oral health!
1. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean.
When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s much easier to brush and floss effectively. Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque, tartar, and stains can build up. Small gaps between your teeth create traps where food can get stuck, which can increase your risk for cavities.
By straightening your teeth, you’ll have fewer hard-to-reach areas and a much easier time maintaining a clean, healthy smile.
2. Teeth straightening treatments create a healthy bite.
A key goal of orthodontic treatment is to create a balanced, healthy bite. When your teeth fit together correctly, you reduce the risk of jaw pain, discomfort, and other issues related to your temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
Bite disharmony can also lead to worn-down enamel, which shortens your teeth and allows your jaw to close too far. This can put even more stress on the joints and lead to serious pain, loss of function, and even permanent damage to the ligaments, joint capsule, and bone of the jaw joint.
An aligned bite can prevent uneven wear on your teeth and protect your jaw from strain, preventing the need for expensive dental treatments later.
3. Properly aligned teeth are better for your gums.
Crowded or widely spaced teeth don’t just affect your teeth; they can also make it harder to keep your gums healthy. In ideal health, the gums should form a tight collar around the neck of each tooth and a sharp point between the teeth. However, if your teeth are crowded, crooked, or too far apart, the gums cannot maintain their ideal shape or position.
Coupled with the fact that poorly aligned teeth build up more plaque and trap food (as we saw earlier), untreated orthodontic issues can increase your risk for gum disease, recession, and even overgrowth of the gums called hyperplasia. Properly aligned teeth help ensure that your gums can stay healthy and securely attached to your teeth.
4. Orthodontics reduce your risk for worn down and broken teeth.
When your teeth are out of alignment, certain teeth may take more of the stress when you bite or chew. Bite disharmony from poorly aligned teeth can cause serious issues, including broken, chipped, and worn down teeth. In severe cases, it can even lead to tooth loss.
Straightening your teeth helps evenly distribute the pressure, reducing the risk of chipping, cracking, or wearing down your teeth.
5. A straighter smile can boost your confidence!
Beyond the direct health benefits, straightening your teeth can give you a confidence boost. When you love your smile, you’ll likely feel more motivated to take good care of it, which can positively impact your overall oral health. A confident smile is a happy, healthy one!
Enjoy a Straight, Healthy Smile with Convenient Teeth Straightening in Washington Heights, NYC
At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we want to make it as easy as possible to get comprehensive dental care under one roof. Because straight teeth and a healthy bite are critical parts of lasting oral health (and confidence in your smile), we proudly offer discreet teeth straightening treatments with clear aligners in Washington Heights.
If you’re considering orthodontics to improve the look of your smile, or you’re struggling with an uneven bite or jaw pain, talk to us! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have so you can start enjoying a beautiful smile of straight teeth and lasting dental health.
