4 Important Health Benefits of Straighter Teeth

Are your teeth misaligned, crooked, gapped, crowded, or out of place? You could be affected by a bite that doesn’t line up that affects more than cosmetic concerns. Thankfully, we offer options for straighter teeth and a healthier smile.

At Lancaster Dental Care Associates in Lancaster, California, Dr. Kamran Saidara and his multidisciplinary dental team offer Invisalign® teeth straightening that’s faster and easier than traditional braces.

4 benefits of straighter teeth

Many benefits come with an even, straight smile, and many of these are aesthetic in nature. However, important health advantages to straightening your teeth include:

1. Less plaque and gum disease

When your teeth are crooked or crowded, it’s easy for bacteria to hide out in uneven crevices and tight spots. Having straight, evenly spaced teeth allows your daily brushing and flossing to be more effective, reducing the chance of gum disease or tooth decay.

2. Clearer speech

Misaligned teeth can cause a lisp or other speech impediment, which can require years of speech therapy to address. By straightening teeth when the problem first presents itself, you may be able to avoid common orthodontic speech issues altogether.

3. Treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

Poorly aligned teeth can result in malocclusion (misaligned jaw). If your jaw can’t open and close smoothly, you’re likely to have clicking, popping, and/or pain in your TMJ. Correcting your bite by aligning your teeth properly can relieve symptoms.

4. Improved sleep

Out-of-sync teeth that cause malocclusion can also lead to sleep apnea, causing breathing difficulties and interrupted sleep at night. Fixing your teeth can allow your jaw to correctly position itself for better breathing, better sleep, and better overall health.

Invisalign for straighter teeth

Invisalign is now approved for kids as young as age 6, to start working even on baby teeth so their adult teeth can come in straighter. It’s also available for teens going through changes in their bite and smile, and for adults who didn’t have their teeth straightened as children.

With Invisalign, instead of a mouth full of metal and wires, you'll get a series of clear aligners. You’ll wear each set for 23 hours per day for a few weeks as they slowly and inexorably shift your teeth into place. The process offers faster results than traditional braces and can be more predictable.

After Invisalign, you’ll wear a retainer at night to ensure your results remain. It’s a great way to improve your smile and health at the same time. If you want more information on Invisalign, call 661-215-8130 or request an appointment online today.