At the beginning of the year, we all take stock of what resolutions we want to invest in. Whether it be healthy changes, organizational changes, or even small steps to be kinder to ourselves. An amazing resolution that many of our patients take advantage of is to invest in orthodontics for a straighter smile.
Top 3 Reasons to Straighten Your Teeth:
- Aesthetic Reasons
- Oral Health
- Improve your Bite & Help improve your Sleep
Straighter Teeth Give Better First Impressions
Aesthetically, straighter teeth are not only more appealing but also instill a greater amount of confidence. Studies show that 29% of first impressions in adults are due to a person’s smile and straighter teeth are considered a major strength. If you check out the image below from a study through Invisalign, straighter smiles lead to higher employment rates, salaries, more likely to attract a partner on dating sites, and even considered friendlier or happier people.
Straighter Teeth Lead to Better Overall Health
Another important reason to straighten teeth is to improve your overall oral health. Crowding and spacing issues can lead to plaque buildup since the teeth are harder to keep clean. If the floss is unable to reach certain areas the buildup could potentially lead to cavities and gum issues later in life. The American Dental Association even states that “correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth.”
According to the ADA, not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:
- tooth decay
- gum disease
- tooth loss
- affected speech and/or chewing
- abnormal wear to tooth enamel
- jaw problems
Straighter Teeth Can Help With Sleep
Last but not least, straightening your teeth this New Year can also help improve your bite and reduce your risk for sleep apnea. Those with a large overbite or improper jaw alignment can sometimes cause obstructive sleep apnea. If a patient’s sleep apnea is caused by an orthodontic issue in the mouth, such as an overbite, then braces or oral appliances can help correct this issue gradually over time.
Overall, investing in a straighter smile by utilizing orthodontics like Invisalign can not only improve your confidence but also improve your overall health. If you would like to speak to one of our dentists or orthodontists, contact Lane & Associates at the form below or schedule a free orthodontic consultation to see what our team can do for your smile!
Written by: Kaitlin Painter, Digital Marketing & Content Manager
