Did you know that more than four million people in the United States are undergoing orthodontic treatment at any given moment? If your misaligned teeth make your smile look less-than-stellar, a visit to a trusted dentist in Candler, NC, might convince you to use effective orthodontic solutions to straighten your teeth. In the meantime, we’ve compiled the best reasons why fixing your crooked teeth is an excellent idea.

models of malocclusion at the dentist in Candler NC

Top Reasons Why You Should Straighten Crooked Teeth

It Promotes Clearer and Improved Speech

Your teeth and how they’re positioned impact the quality of your speech. Moreover, misaligned teeth can lead to speech issues in speech production as they disrupt the overall harmony of the mouth, affecting how you form words.

It Improves Your Appearance

Fixing misaligned teeth can dramatically improve your overall appearance and make you look more attractive. When you know you look good, you feel good about yourself. Consequently, straighter teeth can make you feel more confident and at ease in social settings. In contrast, crooked teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and make it difficult for you to keep your social life alive.  

It Boosts Your Personal and Professional Relationships

A straight smile helps personal relationships. Research shows that people with straight teeth have more desirable qualities than those with misaligned teeth. Regarding dating, an attractive smile is on the most wanted list for both men and women. For this reason, a person with straight teeth is more likely to get a date based on their photo alone. On the other hand, most people won’t go on a second date with someone with crooked teeth.  

Moreover, having a straighter smile impacts professional relationships. Jobseekers with straight teeth are more likely to be hired than those with similar qualifications but crooked teeth. They also have better chances of getting a higher salary.  

Straight Teeth Are Healthier than Crooked Ones

Bacteria in your mouth depend on the food particles that cling to the surface of your teeth for sustenance. As they feast on them, they excrete acids that weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities.  

Crooked teeth have nooks and crannies that are more likely to trap food. Since toothbrush bristles can’t always reach these areas, they’re often more challenging to clean than straight teeth. As a result, larger colonies of bacteria thrive on them and release more damaging acids, increasing the risk of severe oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth loss.  

It Prevents Premature Tooth Wear

Misaligned and crowded teeth compel other teeth to rub roughly against other teeth on the adjacent jaw. The constant friction will eventually cause the tooth enamel to wear out quicker than usual. Since teeth with severely worn-out enamel chip, crack, or break easily, they’re more likely to create an ideal entry point for bacteria to cause cavities. Straight teeth are less likely to suffer from tooth fractures and breakage because they preserve the tooth enamel’s integrity.

It Reduces the Risk of TMJ Issues

Overcrowded teeth stress your gums, jawbone, and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that connect your lower jaw to your skull. TMJ-related issues lead to jaw misalignment that causes symptoms such as chronic pain in the face, neck, and head. Since an orthodontic treatment aligns your bite, it promotes smooth TMJ movement upon chewing without burdening them with stress.  

a Dentist in Candler NC assessing a child's crooked teeth

Looking for a Dentist in Candler, NC?

Cataloochee Dental Group offers effective dental solutions to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and straight smile. Call us today to schedule an appointment.