According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than four million Americans are undergoing orthodontic treatment at any given moment, which includes both braces and Invisalign. Here are some reasons you too should join that number and straighten your teeth with Dr. Stroope at Farmington Dental Center.
1. Straight Teeth Help You Have a More Attractive, Confident Smile
The number one reason people get their teeth straightened is for appearance. Crooked teeth might be something you are embarrassed about. That can wear on your confidence and cause you to smile less. A smile you can feel proud of leads to higher self esteem and that benefits your social and professional success.
Smiling is even contagious! Picture a room filled with smiling people. You’re smiling now too, right? Our brains are hardwired to mimic the facial expressions of those around us.
Now is the time to straighten your smile! As Frank Sinatra sang,
“Keep on smilin’, ’cause when you’re smilin’
The whole world smiles with you”
–“When You’re Smiling”
2. Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth
Teeth wear naturally over time due to age, but crooked and/or crowded teeth wear more rapidly than a well-aligned smile. It’s important to keep your teeth healthy so that you can talk and eat with ease, and continue to do so for a long time. Straighter teeth is one of the best ways to do that!
3. Straight Teeth Are Cleaner Teeth
Dr. Trogdon reminds you about the importance of flossing every time you come in for your regular checkup and cleaning. Not only does flossing regularly help you to keep your teeth cleaner and avoid cavities, but it also keeps bacteria away from your gums, which can lead to periodontitis, also known as gum disease.
You may have trouble reaching some surfaces of your crooked teeth with your toothbrush or fitting floss between your crowded teeth, which contributes to both cavities and gum disease. Straight teeth are much easier to clean and are at a lower risk for gum disease.
4. Crooked Teeth Affect Jaw Alignment
Temporomandibular disorder (known as TMJ or TMD) occurs when the upper and lower jaw do not meet comfortably and can result in chronic pain. A misaligned jaw and crooked teeth can lead to clenching and/or teeth grinding. The force of grinding or clenching your crooked teeth can lead to neck and ear pain, as well as headaches. If left untreated, pain from TMD can become debilitating.
Straightening your teeth can help with long-term stability and comfort and help you kick the teeth clenching or grinding habit before it leads to TMD and becomes a serious impairment.
5. You Can Choose from Lots of Options
We are proud to offer our patients plenty of orthodontic options at Farmington Dental and Orthodontics. Dr. Stroope is experienced with traditional braces, which can be affixed to the front side or back side of teeth, and also with Invisalign, clear aligning trays that are completely removable. Our patients can also choose state-of-the-art 3M Clarity Brackets, which are small, clear brackets that are less noticeable than conventional metal brackets.
Whether one or any combination of the above five reasons to straighten your teeth sound relevant for you and your smile, call Farmington Dental and Orthodontics at 479-267-5009 to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Dr. Stoope will assess your teeth and you can discuss the best treatment option for you.
Make an appointment today to get started on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile!
