The most obvious impact of orthodontic treatment is a straighter, more attractive smile. While we tend to perceive people with properly aligned teeth as happier and more successful, the benefits of straight teeth aren’t just cosmetic.
Clearer Speech
Do you remember the lisp you had between losing your two front teeth and the adult ones growing in? Based on that, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that our teeth are a crucial component of our ability to speak and enunciate clearly.
In order to make the right sounds, our lips and tongues have to maneuver around our teeth. When teeth are properly aligned, this is simple, but crooked teeth can result in a lisp, slurring, or difficulty making certain sounds that require tongue-to-tooth contact, such as the “t,” “s,” and “ch” sounds. Orthodontic treatment can solve these problems by moving the teeth into their proper positions.
Healthier Digestion
We don’t give our teeth enough credit for their role in good digestion. Chewing is a very important part of the process. It doesn’t just chop the food into small enough pieces to fit down the esophagus; it mixes the food with saliva, which begins the chemical digestion process.
When we wolf down our food without much chewing — or when we chew with misaligned teeth that don’t do the job effectively — it forces our stomachs to work harder than they should. If you already have straight teeth, put them to good use by chewing each mouthful for longer. If you don’t, your digestive system will thank you for getting orthodontic treatment.
Better Breathing
Poorly aligned teeth can make it difficult or even impossible to comfortably close your jaws when you aren’t moving them, leading to habitual mouth breathing. Mouth breathing has a number of negative effects, including dry mouth, bad breath, snoring, chronic fatigue, and brain fog. The effects are an even bigger problem for kids, sometimes going as far as changing the development of their facial bone structure.
In addition to these issues, mouth breathing can also impact overall health. It can lead to a decrease in saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids in the mouth and washing away food particles. This reduction can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, mouth breathers may experience poor sleep quality due to increased airway resistance, which can exacerbate sleep apnea and other respiratory problems.
Straight Teeth For A Better Life
Not only do straight teeth make it easier to speak, eat, and breathe properly, but they’re also easier to clean! Maybe you’ve been avoiding orthodontic treatment because you’re happy with the way your smile looks, but the many benefits of straight teeth are worth considering. A straight smile can also boost your confidence and improve your social interactions. Whether it’s for personal relationships or professional opportunities, having a smile you feel good about can positively impact your self-esteem. With advancements in orthodontic technology, treatments are often quicker and less invasive than ever before, making it easier to achieve that smile you’ve always wanted. Investing in your smile is a step towards a healthier, happier life!
*Disclaimer: The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
