What are the Health Benefits of Straight Teeth?

Dr. Prashant Rao, DDS, a Charlotte native and NYU-trained dentist, specializes in esthetics, dental implants, and preventative dentistry.

January 10, 2018

You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall dental health. Think about it — a smile can hardly be perfect if it’s not a healthy one. Fortunately, with Invisalign^®, having a confident smile and reducing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease go hand in hand.

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Healthier Teeth and Gums

Swollen, red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. Unfortunately, these are also signs of periodontal disease. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. That’s where Invisalign comes in. The comfortable and clear aligners gently and gradually begin to move your teeth into the proper position — without unsightly brackets and wires.

Easier Cleaning

One of the biggest challenges of having braces is removing all the food that gets trapped in the brackets and wires. This can often lead to plaque buildup and eventually tooth decay. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do.

Overall Health

Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body. Your teeth and gums — and how they look to others when you smile—say a lot about your overall health. If you’re taking good care of both, you’re probably taking good care of the rest of you.

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss. Studies by the American Dental Association have shown that oral infections can also lead to other more serious ailments such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and diabetes. Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, thus reducing the risk of possible problems. And correctly aligned teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel. Invisalign effectively addresses all of these orthodontic issues, so you’ll have the confidence of a great smile and increase the likelihood of improved oral health.

Check out our Invisalign services here for your first step towards a healthier, straighter smile!

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Dr. Prashant Rao

Dr. Prashant Rao, DDS, a Charlotte native and NYU-trained dentist, specializes in esthetics, dental implants, and preventative dentistry. He is a proud member of numerous prestigious dental associations, including the American Dental Association and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Rao is dedicated to providing quality dental care and staying updated with the latest advancements in dental technology.