When people think about having their teeth straightened, appearance is usually the first thing that comes to mind. That is hardly surprising. A straighter smile can make a noticeable difference to the way we feel about our appearance, and for many patients, that alone is enough motivation to explore treatment.
However, there is often more to it than that. Over the years, patients who have come to our Bromley dental practice asking for a straighter smile have also learned that straighter teeth can bring a number of practical benefits as well. In fact, some patients tell us that the improvements they notice day-to-day have been just as valuable as the cosmetic changes.
If you have been considering orthodontic treatment, whether with clear aligners or another discreet option, it may be helpful to understand some of the advantages that straighter teeth can offer.
Confidence is a difficult thing to measure, but it can have a significant impact on everyday life. Some people are fortunate enough never to have to even think about their smile. Others become very aware of it. They may cover their mouth when laughing, avoid being photographed or simply feel self-conscious when meeting new people.
Some patients live with these feelings for years before deciding to finally seek advice from a dentist. They have become so accustomed to hiding their smile that they hardly notice they are doing it.
While orthodontic treatment is not necessarily a ‘cure all’ when it comes to confidence, there is little doubt that feeling happier about your smile can remove a source of anxiety for many people. Patients often find that they smile more naturally after treatment, not because somebody has told them to, but because they no longer feel the need to hide their teeth.
One of the lesser heralded benefits of straighter teeth is that they can often be easier to keep clean.
When teeth overlap or are crowded together, small areas can become difficult to reach. Even people who brush and floss conscientiously may find that certain spots remain stubbornly awkward. This is likely to lead to the build up of plaque and tartar and, consequently, an increased risk of gum disease.
When teeth are more correctly aligned, it is generally easier to brush effectively and clean between them with dental floss or interdental brushes. This helps to contribute to healthier gums and a cleaner feeling mouth.
The way your teeth meet together matters more than many people realise. If some teeth are under more pressure than others, they may be at greater risk of becoming worn, chipped or damaged over time. This process is usually gradual and happens over many years and can easily go unnoticed until visible signs start to appear.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about providing the patient with an even smile. In some situations, it can also help improve the way that biting forces are distributed across the teeth. This can help to reduce the amount of stress on certain teeth and help them to remain healthy and strong for a longer period of time.
Your gum health is just as important as looking after your teeth, yet this is sometimes underestimated and, where it is tricky to maintain, is sometimes even forgotten completely. Where teeth are crowded and difficult to clean effectively, plaque and tartar can build up more quickly around the gum line. This can increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
The early symptoms of gum disease can be quite subtle. A little bleeding when brushing, mild soreness of the gums and a little inflammation might be noticed.
By improving alignment, orthodontic treatment can make daily cleaning more effective and help to create an environment that is easier to maintain. While straight teeth alone do not guarantee healthy gums, they can certainly make good oral hygiene easier to achieve.
One reason that many adults and older teenagers may have postponed treatment in the past was concern about wearing highly visible traditional braces. Today, clear aligners and other discreet systems allow patients to straighten their teeth with far less impact on their appearance during the treatment period. Friends and work colleagues may not even realise you are wearing them unless they are told.
One of the appealing aspects of orthodontic treatment is that the results can continue to provide value long after treatment has finished. A filling repairs a tooth and a hygiene appointment improves cleanliness. Both are important of course, but their effects may need regular repetition. Straightening teeth, by contrast, can provide a long-term change to the way your smile looks and functions.
Of course, retainers and ongoing care remain important, but many of our patients enjoy the benefits of their treatment for many years after the final aligner or brace has been removed.
If you have perhaps considered having your teeth straightened and are interested to discover more about the modern range of ‘invisible aligners’ we can provide, we are happy to help. The best way to start this process is to arrange an appointment for an initial consultation at our Bromley dental clinic. You can book yours by calling the Smile Dental Practice today on 020 8462 2473.
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