You may think that straight teeth are merely an aesthetic issue. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having straight teeth is important for oral as well as overall health. If you are weighing the decision about whether you should invest in straightening your teeth, consider the following benefits.

Prevent Excessive Wear

Teeth that don’t line up properly in the mouth will grind against each other. This leads to uneven wear. Uneven wear weakens teeth and can even lead to breakage if you bite down on something hard, like a nut. As you get older, this excessive wear becomes more noticeable. You may think that straightening treatment is only for teenagers, but Invisalign has made tooth straightening much more available for adults. There is no reason to feel self-conscious about correcting your smile. Invisalign makes the process less noticeable and more tolerable than traditional braces.

Reduce the Risk of Periodontal Disease

Crooked or crowded teeth trap bits of food and make it hard to get between teeth to clean properly. An uneven bite can also lead to sleeping with your mouth open, which leads to a dry mouth. This, in turn, causes additional inflammation and irritation. Unhealthy teeth and gums make everyday life more difficult. Inflamed gums may bleed when you are performing even minimal hygiene. Your teeth are more likely to be sensitive to heat and cold, and there will probably be foods that you just avoid entirely.

Fewer Headaches, Less Jaw Pain, and Reduced Risk of Sleep Apnea

If your teeth are misaligned, there is a good chance that your jaw is out of alignment as well. This can lead to tension and pain in the jaw as well as headaches. In addition, crowded teeth often coincide with a narrow airway, which increases the likelihood of sleep apnea.

Live Longer

You may not realize how detrimental crooked teeth are to your overall health. The fact is, individuals with gum disease are much more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean, which reduces the risk of gum disease. People who floss daily live, on average, seven years longer than people who do not. Straight teeth make this daily maintenance a much more manageable task.

As you can see, straighter teeth impact much more than your appearance. However, the effect on your appearance cannot be overstated. A straight smile will give you more confidence in your day to day life.