When you think about straightening teeth with braces or clear aligners, attractive, picture-perfect smiles probably come to mind. But did you know that straighter teeth don’t just look better, they work better too?

Common dental concerns such as crowded or crooked teeth can accelerate tooth wear over time and contribute to other health conditions such as gum disease, jaw pain and irregular breathing. If this sounds like you, don’t worry – advances in clear aligner therapy make it easier and more affordable than ever to get a healthier, straighter smile.

Here are five ways straighter teeth can benefit your health:

1. Straight teeth help prevent wear and damage

Misaligned teeth (or malocclusion) can cause enamel wear and sensitivity. Where the contact between teeth is not ideal, you might start to notice signs of trauma such as chips, cracks or gum recession. Correcting your alignment with clear aligners will let your teeth function optimally and prevent excess wear and tear.

1. Straight teeth promote good gum health

Straighter teeth are easier to clean. Crooked teeth often overlap, making it harder to floss between them and clean all surfaces thoroughly. This increases your risk of developing cavities and gingivitis. One advantage of clear aligners is that they are removeable, so you can brush and floss as usual without metal braces getting in the way.

1. A balanced bite improves chewing and digestion

Properly aligned teeth are better able to break down food, which is crucial for good digestion. We tend to associate digestion with the stomach and gut, but it actually begins in the mouth. The enzymes in saliva start breaking down your food, while your teeth grind food into smaller pieces, which helps your body to fully process and absorb nutrients.

1. Proper alignment can reduce jaw pain

A balanced bite can relieve symptoms caused by disorders of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) such as headaches, jaw pain, and ear pain. Wearing clear aligners for the required 22 hours per day has the added benefit of protecting your teeth from grinding during sleep, which can aggravate the TMJ.

1. Straight teeth can help you breathe better

Misaligned teeth can make it harder for your mouth to close comfortably, sometimes leading to a habit of breathing through the mouth. Mouth breathing dries the oral cavity, causing plaque buildup and bad breath. Clear aligner therapy can correct an uneven bite and promote proper tongue placement, which encourages nasal breathing.

Get the healthy smile you deserve

Investing in a straighter smile now will give you long-term health benefits and can save you costly restorations in the future.

Clear aligner therapies, such as ClearCorrect and Invisalign®, are a popular treatment option for adults and teens. They are clear, comfortable, and convenient, and we offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget. With our new Virtual Dental Monitoring, most of your ClearCorrect treatment can be done from home while still under the supervision of your dentist.

Don River Dental provides safe, soothing dentistry and is here to answer all questions and comments you may have regarding if clear aligners are right for you, Give us a call today at 6479556061