Benefits of Straight Teeth: Is it Only For Appearance?

^{Written by Dr. Satabdi Saha, BDS, MDS | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shaista Salam, BDS; Dr. Zein El Hammouz, DDS, MFD/RCSI} Fact Checked ✓

Table of Contents
1. Health benefits of straight teeth
2. Can I get straight teeth without braces?
3. How much time does it take to straighten teeth?
4. Myths & misconceptions about teeth straightening

 

Straight teeth make for a beautiful smile and pleasing appearance. But have you ever wondered about the benefits of straight teeth beyond looks? We bring you all you need to know about the health benefits of straight teeth in this article. Read on!

Straight teeth can make a massive difference to your oral and overall health.

 

1. Easier cleaning and healthier gums

One of the main benefits of straight teeth is the ease of maintaining good oral hygiene. With straight teeth, brush bristles can reach every nook and corner of your mouth. It is easy to brush and floss regularly, which prevents plaque build-up and keeps your teeth free of germs and bacteria. (1)

Crooked teeth often overlap, making it difficult for your brush to reach certain areas. In the long term, it compromises overall gum and teeth health, leading to chronic gum disease,  which leads to gum redness, swelling, bleeding, tooth mobility, jaw bone loss, or bad breath. (2) 

2. Improved self-esteem and confidence

Everyone has a unique smile and set of teeth. But if your teeth are way out of line, it may affect your self-esteem. You become conscious and avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Studies show crooked teeth affect mental health, particularly in children and teenagers. (3) So, a set of straight teeth can boost your confidence. In addition, straight teeth are often desirable for landing jobs in certain professions. (4)

3. Reduced risk of dental injuries

Crooked teeth are more vulnerable to injury, especially if you have projecting or protruded upper front teeth, also called an “increased overjet.''(2) This is a common condition in many people and is one of the leading causes of sudden dental trauma.

Research reveals that the greater the overjet, the greater the risk of teeth cracks and fracture, depending on the intensity of the striking force. (5) Sports-related injuries are also common in people with protruded front teeth.

4. Clearer speech

Among the many advantages of straight teeth is speech clarity. A study shows that narrow arches, irregularly positioned teeth, and gaps between the upper front teeth are the most common causes of speech defects. (7)

For example, individuals with an open bite have a lisping problem and the inability to correctly pronounce “s,” “z,” “t,” and “d” sounds. 

5. Easier chewing

Straight teeth improve the bite and make better teeth-to-teeth contact while chewing. This helps crush solid foods into tiny bits that are easier to swallow and digest. When you chew foods properly, you can digest them better.

6. Tooth Wear Prevention

Crooked teeth can also cause uneven pressure and resultant wear and tear on some teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to a wrong or imbalanced bite and cause strain in the jaw muscles, jaw pain, and persistent migraines. (2) 

So, if you have been wondering how important straight teeth are, know that they matter not only for aesthetics but also for your oral and overall health.

Straight Teeth Before And After

 

 

Getting straight teeth is possible without traditional braces. Let’s look at some popular options available in the market. 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made removable appliances that help to shift teeth into their correct positions by applying gentle, constant pressure. Over the years, clear aligners have become a popular orthodontic treatment option because

• They are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. 
• They are more hygienic as you can remove them while brushing and flossing. 
• They require no dietary restrictions and require fewer dental visits than traditional braces. (8) 
• You can benefit from flexible or monthly payment plans to cover your clear aligners cost. 

If you’re looking to get your teeth straightened discreetly and comfortably, with no dietary restrictions, better hygiene, and fewer visits to the dental office, then Eon Aligner is the best treatment option for you. Fill out this form, and our team will connect you with the nearest Eon-certified doctor. 

 

Crowns and Veneers

A crown is a tooth cap that covers a broken, misshapen, extensively decayed, or root canal-treated tooth to restore its normal shape and function. Whereas veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored material used to close teeth gaps, to improve the esthetics of the teeth used, especially on the anterior teeth.

To some extent, crowns and veneers can be used to cover aesthetic tooth defects like spacing and diastema closure. However, they cannot straighten teeth in the way aligners can and should not be used as a replacement for teeth straightening treatments. 

Each person is unique and responds to orthodontic treatment differently. How long aligners take to work depends on the complexity of the case. The more crooked the teeth are, the longer it takes to straighten them. If clear aligners are used, the average treatment time is usually between 8 to 10 months. (8)

Teeth straightening is only for cosmetic purposes: 

Teeth straightening does more than just make your smile look attractive. It helps correct a bad bite, improve speech clarity, and prevent tooth wear and injuries. Maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding cavities or gum disease is also easier. 

Teeth straightening is not for adults: 

Teeth straightening is possible even in adult patients using aligners since they are discreet and virtually invisible.

Braces are the only option for teeth straightening: 

With recent advances in technology, more aesthetic and discreet options for teeth straightening are available. One can use aligners to apply gentle but constant forces on the teeth and gradually move them into their correct positions.

With so many benefits of straight teeth right in front of you, it's high time you consider visiting your dentist to straighten your teeth! Our Eon-certified doctors will guide you through the process and provide you with the best possible solution. So why wait? Reach out to our team by filling out this form today!