Straightening your smile has aesthetic benefits, but it can also benefit your health.

If you are thinking about undergoing orthodontic treatment in order to achieve a straighter smile, it is likely that you have considered the cosmetic benefits of having better aligned teeth. A symmetrical and even smile is certainly attractive, but did you know that there are some health benefits to having straight teeth?

Straight teeth tend to be easier to clean, which means that it is easier to maintain proper oral hygiene and your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is reduced. Also, straight teeth are better for your overall bite and jaw health. Read on to find out more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment, and how it goes beyond your appearance…

What problems can crooked teeth cause?

If left untreated, crooked and crowded teeth can contribute to a range of oral and general health issues. These include tooth decay, gum disease, bite-related problems, and TMJ-related symptoms.

Crooked teeth can be quite difficult to clean and without proper oral hygiene, you are likely to be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to a range of other health issues, and can have a serious impact on your overall wellness.

Crooked teeth can also have an effect on your bite, making it difficult to chew properly. If left unresolved, a misaligned bite can lead to excessive wear and tear on your teeth, which can cause severe damage and even fractures over time. By straightening your teeth and enjoying improved jaw alignment, it is often possible to minimise this kind of wear and tear.

An improper bite can also contribute to TMJ-related problems. TMJ-related symptoms can be extremely painful and may include facial and jaw pain, earache, neck pain, and back pain. If your orthodontist suspects that your misaligned bite is a contributing factor to these symptoms, they may recommend that you have your teeth and jaws straightened.

What can you expect after orthodontic treatment?

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete and your teeth are straighter, you can expect to find it much easier to brush and floss your teeth. You should find it easier to clean all the surfaces of your teeth, and to floss comfortably between your teeth and along your gum line. As a result, you should enjoy improved oral health in the long-term — just be sure to stick to a daily routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily. You should also see your dentist for a regular check-up and clean every six months.

With straighter teeth, you will also notice that you can chew with ease and comfort. You should not find it difficult to eat any types of foods and will be able to enjoy a varied diet.

If you suffered from jaw pain before your orthodontic treatment, you may find some relief after your straightening treatment is complete. A well-aligned bite can help to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction.

How can we help?

At iSmile Orthodontics, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments. From braces to Invisalign and traditional braces, we have you covered. In fact, we treat patients of all ages, and offer services for children, teens and adults.

If you are considering an orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, or suspect that you might benefit from having your smile straightened, we encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation. We will assess your teeth, jaws and bite and let you know what kind of treatment suits you best. Every patient is different and we will ensure that your treatment plan is personalised in order to optimise your comfort and achieve the results best aligned with your goals.

To see the full list of orthodontic treatments that we offer, please have a look.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please give us a call on 03 9466 8484 or get in touch with us.