The Benefits of Straight Teeth

Leonard Fournette ran for a career-high 244 yards and two touchdowns and No. 8 LSU held off Syracuse 34-24 this past Saturday. While sports nuts were amazed by his on the field display, dental nuts were impressed by his commitment to long term dental health. Fournette is a 20 yo Heisman hopeful running back at LSU and he has braces. Not knee braces, dental braces. With several Sports Illustrated covers in his future, Fournette is determined to get his oral health as perfect as his physical health.

What’s that you say, “what are the benefits of straight teeth”? We thought you’d never ask!

 HEALTHIER TEETH AND GUMS

Swollen gums that bleed when you brush can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or spaced apart. These are also signs of periodontal disease. Properly aligning the teeth with a clear aligner treatment such as Invisalign will help the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the healthiest defense against gum disease.

EASIER CLEANING

It is difficult to brush and floss crooked teeth. This means food and plaque stays stuck between your teeth. Bacteria see this as a 24 hour, all-you-can-eat-buffet and cause dental decay and gum disease.

CORRECTS ABNORMAL TOOTH WEAR

Misaligned teeth will not touch the opposing teeth correctly when you chew or talk. As they age, many people develop crooked bottom front teeth which incorrectly rub against the upper teeth. This results in inefficient chewing and may cause undue tooth wear to tooth enamel. By using clear aligners such as Invisalign to move your teeth into their correct anatomical position you will experience reduced wear and correct occlusion, returning your mouth to its natural state.

RELIEF OF TMJ PAIN OR HEADACHES

Another problem with misaligned teeth is that they can place excessive stress on the gums and supporting bone. This increased muscle activity and the resulting stress placed on your TMJ may cause intense pain. Placing your teeth in their correct anatomical position you may see a reduction in orofacial pain.

DECREASED RISK TO DENTAL TRAUMA

Upper teeth are most likely to be injured when playing sports or in the event of a traumatic fall. When teeth are misaligned or protrude forward they are more likely to be injured. Straightening your teeth with clear aligners like Invisalign will eliminate that snaggletooth, protecting it from injury.

IMPROVED SELF-ESTEEM 

It makes sense that the more you comfortable you are with your smile, the more you will actually smile. Being attractive comes more from our personality than from our appearance. Having an attractive personality is key to making friends and having lasting relationships.

IMPROVED OVERALL HEALTH

Studies by the American Dental Association have proven that bacteria found in oral disease can lead to more serious health concerns including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pneumonia. There is a clearly demonstrated relationship between oral bacterial and hypertension. DNA studies have shown the presence of oral bacteria in coronary blood vessel walls. Another significant finding is that the same inflammatory mediators are released in response to periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cv disease, and adverse pregnancy events.

CONCLUSION

Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body and soul. Your teeth and gums — and how they look to others when you smile—say a lot about your overall health. Correctly aligned teeth may correct speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel. Orthodontics can addresses these dental issues, giving you the confidence of a great smile and improved oral health!

Our Knoxville dental office recommends Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces to straighten teeth. We have blogged about Invisalign before but essentially it is a custom-made series of clear aligners created for you. Wearing the clear aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. Coulter Family Dentistry offers complimentary Invisalign consultations. If you’re interested in seeing how clear aligners can improve your smile, schedule an appointment with us today! You never know when Sports Illustrated will be calling for your close-up..