Teeth straightening is a treatment option for crooked teeth that improves aesthetics and resolves bite issues. It is common in teens and adults.

Today, there are more options than ever to straighten crooked teeth and correct a misaligned bite. These treatments offer children, teens and adults a variety of benefits beyond a brighter smile.

1. Boost Your Confidence

Whether you suffered from crooked teeth as a child or have been self-conscious about your smile since then, getting them straightened can make all the difference. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Invisalign found that people feel more confident when they have a straight smile.

In addition to boosting your confidence, having straight teeth can help with speech issues such as lisps and stuttering. It’s also easier to clean your teeth and keep them healthy when they’re properly aligned.

Teeth straightening involves aligning crooked and misaligned teeth through the use of external force applied gradually over time. It can correct issues such as overbites, underbites, cross bites, overlapping teeth and gap teeth (diastema). Treatment options include traditional braces, clear alignment retainers like Invisalign and veneers which can fix broken or reshape teeth and close gaps.

2. Improve Your Chewing

If you have crowded or gapped teeth, your tongue has trouble accessing some of the sounds and letters needed for proper pronunciation. Straightening your teeth gives the tongue more room to make specific sounds and words, resulting in a smoother speaking voice.

Crooked and overcrowded teeth are hard to keep clean, which increases your risk for oral afflictions like gum disease. Having straighter, better aligned teeth makes it easier to brush and floss. That means you’re less likely to experience tartar buildup and plaque which can lead to cavities, gum inflammation (puffiness and bleeding) and periodontitis.

When your teeth are crooked and misaligned, chewing is difficult and the food doesn’t get properly digested. This puts unnecessary stress on your jaw, mouth and neck muscles which can cause earaches, headaches and other issues. When your teeth are straight, you can chew properly and enjoy every meal. That also helps to reduce the risk of dental injuries because your teeth aren’t prone to being chipped, cracked or broken.

3. Prevent Damage to Your Teeth

Teeth straightening corrects an unhealthy bite that can lead to chewing difficulties, headaches, neck aches and clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism). When teeth are misaligned they put excessive pressure on the jaw and chewing muscles, causing discomfort and pain. This unnecessary strain also causes wear and tear on the teeth and deterioration of the enamel.

Crooked teeth are harder to clean and are a haven for bacteria that can cause gum disease. This bacterial build-up can travel through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. Straight teeth make it easier to practice good oral hygiene and remove bacteria before it can cause damage.

Teeth that are crowded or crooked can collect food particles and bacteria that are difficult to reach with flossing and brushing. These areas can then develop cavities and periodontal disease. This can then lead to bone loss and tooth extraction. Straight teeth prevent this from occurring and protect the longevity of your natural teeth.

4. Prevent Sleep Apnea

When your teeth are properly aligned, chewing is more efficient, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This also reduces stress, which can lead to other health issues.

Crooked teeth and a misaligned jaw are both contributing factors to sleep apnea, which is characterized by paused or shallow breathing during sleep. Orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners can help with this by opening up your airway, making it easier to breathe at night.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that affects your physical and mental health, causing heart problems, fatigue, and other serious issues. It’s also linked to poor oral hygiene, resulting in a higher risk of gum disease, teeth decay, and other dental problems. A straight smile can help prevent sleep apnea, giving you the restful night’s sleep you deserve!