When many patients envision themselves wearing braces, they’re thinking about the beautifully straight smile that awaits them at the end of treatment! However, the truth is that orthodontics has far more to offer than aesthetic benefits; in fact, having straighter teeth and a proper bite can yield all sorts of quality-of-life advantages, not to mention help your oral health. Here’s what you need to know.
Straight Teeth Are Easier to Clean
Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush or floss. These hard-to-reach areas can trap plaque and food particles, increasing the chances of cavities and gum disease. Straight teeth are easier to clean effectively, meaning you’ll have a lower risk of decay moving forward. This also means improved gum health, which is better support for your teeth. Just remember to continue brushing and flossing daily!
Vastly Improved Bite Function
When teeth don’t line up correctly, your bite may be uneven—which means that certain teeth could wear down faster than others, and chewing and/or speaking can be more difficult. A properly aligned bite helps to distribute chewing forces evenly and improves your ability to digest food, reduces excessive wear on enamel, and reduces the strain and tension placed on the jaw joints.
Clearer Speech and Enunciation
While you may not realize it, your teeth actually play a pivotal role in how you speak. If you have crowded teeth, gaps in your smile, or a pronounced overbite or underbite, it can affect your speaking patterns negatively. By investing in orthodontics like braces or clear aligners, you’ll find that afterwards, speaking is easier than ever before.
While a beautiful smile is certainly a great bonus, the benefits of having straight teeth go far beyond appearance. Orthodontics can improve how your teeth function and feel, which can boost your oral wellness and set you up for a lifetime of truly healthy smiling.
About the Practice
Our team here at Ludlow Orthodontics has served the needs of those in Ludlow and the surrounding communities for several years. Under the leadership of Dr. Sam Alkhoury, who is a member of the American Academy of Orthodontics and the Massachusetts Dental Association, our office offers a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including braces, Invisalign, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, you can call or visit online for more information; we look forward to connecting with you! Telephone: (413) 547-0300.
