Everybody wants to have a perfect smile, but the road there is not always simple. Fortunately, orthodontics have come a long way, and there are many options for different types of straightening aligners in the marketplace. You can still opt for traditional metal braces if you so wish, but these days many people also opt for clear aligners that give all the benefits of traditional braces without the need for a mouth full of metal. Orthodontic treatment of any kind is a big commitment, so before taking the plunge, you should think about all the benefits and whether straightening aligners are right for you. Here are some of the benefits (beyond having a beautiful-looking smile) that you might not have considered before.
Better for dental hygiene
If your teeth are currently very crowded, this is something that many aligners can fix, and the benefit of giving better spacing to your teeth is that it will be so much easier to clean them. When there is proper spacing between your teeth, your toothbrush and your dental floss will be more able to get into every nook and cranny of your mouth so that you can go to sleep at night without harbouring any nasty bacteria in your mouth.
Healthier gums
One of the other symptoms of crowded teeth is the undue stress they place on your gums. When people consider their oral health, they usually put more focus on their teeth than their gums, but the gums are the glue holding everything together, and they should ideally be plump, pink and disease-free. When overcrowding occurs, the gums can often feel inflamed, leading to pain within the mouth.
Less wear and tear
Another problem of overcrowding is that teeth can begin to rub against each other. This can be problematic because they can then more easily wear down, or even get damaged by cracking or breaking. If your teeth are all in one straight line, there will be less collision between the teeth, and you'll have fewer issues as a result.
No jaw pain
Having crooked teeth changes the way that you eat, and this can throw your jaw off-balance, which can sometimes lead to significant jaw pain. Straightening the teeth will put less pressure on the jaw, so regular feeling in the jaw should return to normal.
Good luck on your journey to straighter teeth, better health and a beautiful smile.