Orthodontics in Lincolnshire: Why straighter teeth are good for your health
When talking about adult orthodontics (teeth straightening) treatments, a lot is said about transforming how your smile looks. Certainly, there are incredible psychological benefits to having straighter teeth. People tend to perceive straight, uniform teeth as a sign of good health and beauty. When your teeth look more attractive and you’re confident about your appearance, you’re more likely to smile. And, human nature being what it is, people are drawn to someone who appears happy, open and comfortable in their own skin.
Numerous studies have associated beautiful smiles with greater success in job interviews, at work, in social situations and in finding a romantic partner.
However, here at the Dental Health Centre in Grantham, we champion orthodontics as a way to improve your physical health as well as your self-confidence, believing that when you feel well, you look well and vice versa.
You may not be aware that having crooked or poorly aligned teeth can significantly impact your health. For a start, it can be harder to clean your teeth properly, which can make you more prone to tooth decay and gum disease than if you teeth were straight.
In turn, gum disease and tooth decay can contribute to health problems such as bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth loss, bone loss, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and even some types of cancer.
You may also find that you clench your jaw or suffer from jaw ache, neck ache or headaches. These problems can all be caused by having teeth that don’t meet and align properly.
Many of our patients seeking orthodontics in Lincolnshire tell us that they have had to adapt their bite to be able to chew food properly. In some cases, people have to avoid their favourite foods altogether because of the discomfort they experience when eating.
Whatever your age, by straightening your teeth with an orthodontic solution such as clear aligners, we can help alleviate many of those problems. With straighter teeth, you should be able to bite comfortably and clean your teeth far more effectively.
Many people notice a positive upturn in their overall health and wellbeing after orthodontic treatment. In part, that’s because they feel better about the appearance of their smile. Research would suggest that when we smile, it sends ‘happy’ signals to the brain releasing endorphins to rival a hit of chocolate or a good night’s sleep. The snowball effect of being happy is that it can boost your immune system, decrease your stress, reduce chronic pain and even lower the risk of heart disease. People who smile regularly also tend to feel more motivated when it comes to exercise and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
The full story though is that straighter teeth have direct physical benefits on your health, even putting the psychological aspects to one side.
If you’re currently experiencing gum disease, headaches, jaw joint pain or struggle to smile openly because of how you feel about your teeth, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We offer a free initial consultation with our orthodontic treatment coordinator to help you explore whether clear braces would be right for you – book online by clicking here or call us on 01476 594 480.