Beyond a dazzling smile, straightening your teeth offers significant health advantages. Misaligned teeth create hard-to-clean areas, fostering bacteria and plaque buildup. This, according to Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, a New York orthodontist, elevates the risk of decay and periodontal disease – a severe gum infection. This infection can infiltrate the bloodstream, potentially affecting major organs and causing systemic health issues.
The American Academy of Periodontology suggests a link between gum disease and serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, premature birth, and low birth weight. It also poses risks for individuals with diabetes, respiratory illnesses, or osteoporosis.
Straight teeth promote better gum health by minimizing plaque and tartar accumulation, major contributors to gum disease. Properly aligned teeth allow gums to fit snugly, simplifying brushing and flossing.
Modern orthodontics offers discreet and convenient solutions. Invisalign, using clear, custom aligners, has shown improved gum health compared to traditional braces in clinical studies. The removability of Invisalign aligners allows for thorough cleaning after meals.
Additional benefits of teeth straightening include improved chewing, clearer speech, and reduced strain on jaw joints and supporting bone structures. Straightening your teeth is an investment in your overall well-being.