Most people associate braces and straightening your teeth as something to be accomplished during your adolescent years, but with more awareness and emphasis being placed on the benefits of regular dental visits and healthy teeth the question of how old is too old for straight teeth has surfaced. So, let’s say this now, you are never too old for straight teeth and this article will address 5 reasons why straight teeth contribute to a healthy, happier you.
Reason #1:
Straight teeth help us correctly bite and chew. Is it surprising to hear that when our teeth are properly aligned we can bite and chew our food more effectively? Our teeth are just like a pair of pinking shears, or scissors that cut in a zigzag pattern. Using this analogy imagine using a pair of saw tooth scissors that don’t perfectly align when you cut a piece of cloth. You will notice that it is increasingly difficult for the scissors to effectively do their job. The same is the case with our teeth. Straight teeth perfectly fit in their natural grooves, and the sharp edges of our teeth more effectively bite and chew food.
Reason #2:
Straight teeth promote healthy gums and teeth. We all know that brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular cleanings is the best regimen for good oral hygiene, but people with crooked teeth have an even harder time keeping their teeth clean. Overlapping teeth create plenty of hard to clean pockets where plaque-building bacteria multiply. Extra diligence is required to make sure these areas are thoroughly cleaned which takes time and sometimes expert maneuvering with a toothbrush and floss. Straight teeth, however, eliminate these hard to reach bacterial havens giving you clear access to every part of your mouth.
Reason #3:
Straight teeth can help prevent jaw and muscle strain. Some alignment issues can lead to more physical manifestations such as pain in the jaw or muscles of the mouth from the effort your teeth have to make during daily movements. Straightening your teeth reduces the amount of strain on your jaw and muscles because they are now sitting in their proper position and your mouth doesn’t have to work as hard to accomplish the same movements.
Reason #4:
Straight teeth are attractive. Depending on where you are from, straight teeth are seen as physically attractive. Yes, some of this is due to social and cultural standards, but in the light of the first three reasons, straightening your teeth for good looks is the least of our concerns and rather an extra benefit.
Reason #5:
Looking and feeling good, promotes confidence. Whether it is eating a balanced diet for life long health, skipping out on that burger and fries to lower your cholesterol, or maintaining good oral hygiene these interventions go a long way to improving how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. If you feel good about yourself, it will show with every smile.
Thanks for sharing this information on the reasons to straighten your teeth. There was plenty of details that you provided in this article. Have a great rest of your day.
Dentist Philadelphia