Having straight teeth is often known to give you more self-confidence, especially when in a social environment. It helps boost the way you present yourself in front of people while potentially leaving a lasting impression. Straight teeth are not only a desirable aesthetic trait but also a crucial component of good dental hygiene.
In this article, let us take you through the perks of having straight teeth, ways to achieve it, and how to take care of that stunning smile of yours!
Why Are My Teeth Not Straight?
There can be numerous reasons that lead to crooked teeth, either during the early days of your childhood or now! Let us look at some of the reasons why you might not have straight teeth:
Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, you might inherit the same dental structure.
Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking during childhood can push teeth out of alignment.
Tongue Thrusting: When the tongue pushes against the teeth while swallowing, it can cause misalignment over time.
Loss of Baby Teeth: If baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it can affect the alignment of adult teeth.
Jaw Size: Modern diets with softer foods have led to smaller jaws, which can cause overcrowding of teeth.
Dental Injuries: Accidents or injuries to the mouth can shift teeth out of place.
Poor Dental Habits: Inconsistent oral hygiene and not visiting the dentist regularly can contribute to misalignment.
Understanding these factors can help you take preventive measures or seek appropriate help from dentists to achieve straight teeth.
Benefits of straight teeth
Straight teeth are often associated with one’s appearance as your smile is the first few things that mark an impression on people. However, many often fail to realise that having straighter teeth greatly contributes to your oral hygiene. So let us look at some of the advantages of having straight teeth:
Better oral hygiene
Misaligned teeth make it difficult to remove food debris, potentially leading to tooth decay and cavities. Aligned teeth provide a strong barrier against decay-causing bacteria and make it easier for food to dislodge with mechanical brushing.
Misaligned teeth can cause food to remain lodged between teeth for longer periods, resulting in poor oral hygiene. Therefore, aligned teeth are essential for maintaining good oral health.
Learn more about the health benefits of straight teeth!
Improve your bite
A better bite is facilitated by straight teeth. The way your upper and lower teeth meet is known as your bite. Your teeth and jaws should line up properly for a healthy bite.
The reason a healthy bite matters is that it:
- Maintains general oral health and hygiene
- Enables the natural movement of your teeth, jaws, and face muscles. Prevents needless strain
- Better breathing, speaking, and smiling
- Prevents teeth from grinding against each other
Boost your self-confidence
People often feel their best when wearing a straight smile, similar to the satisfaction of wearing a great outfit or new kicks. With straight teeth, you may find yourself smiling more often and feeling more confident in social and professional interactions.
It is completely normal to seek assistance when needed, and if crooked teeth are hindering your life, it is best to look for opportunities that straighten your smile! For instance, you can take a virtual smile assessment to understand how it can be better!
How do I know if I need to straighten my teeth?
Here are some signs to know that you should get your teeth straightened:
Jaw pain
Crooked teeth can cause jaw muscle strain, causing clicking sounds when opening the mouth. Adults are at risk of jaw pain when wisdom teeth grow out, as crooked teeth in a forward direction can cause jaw pressure.
Your top and bottom teeth do not touch
If your teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, you may have protruding teeth, underbite, or open bite. This can lead to poor dental health, speech difficulties, and impaired chewing, not just aesthetic issues.
Crooked teeth
If you have a visibly crooked bite, it’s clear that you should get braces. Examine your teeth for gaps or crowding, and if food gets stuck between them, it’s likely that your teeth are not aligned properly.
Ways to achieve straighter teeth
There are several methods that can help you achieve straighter teeth, which include orthodontic and non-orthodontic options.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are nearly invisible and serve as a convenient option to straighten your teeth. They are removable for easy eating, drinking, and cleaning, fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle. Much better alternative for those who prefer to maintain oral hygiene without much hassle.
Zenyum is a clear aligner solution where each aligner is made-to-fit and provided in multiple sets. Each aligner set aims to bring you a step closer to achieving the perfect straight smile you’ve been longing for. Start your Zenyum clear aligner journey with a simple 5-step virtual assessment of your teeth!
Braces
When it comes to braces, there are a few different kinds including metal, ceramic and lingual. Traditional metal braces are the most visible option out of the three, while ceramic braces use less visible tooth-coloured brackets with the same mechanism as metal braces. Lingual braces, on the other hand, are attached to the back of your teeth and are the least visible option.
These different types of braces differ in their appearance, cost and maintenance.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, altering their shape, size, and colour. They effectively change the appearance of crooked or misshapen teeth, giving you a straighter smile by being placed over your original teeth.
Typically, it involves some adjustment to your natural teeth, which includes removing 1-1.5mm of enamel to achieve the desired shape and colour. One key drawback is that since the teeth need to be reshaped, the procedure is generally not reversible.
Maintaining Straight Teeth After Braces
After straightening your teeth, there are a few good habits to keep up with:
- Keep your teeth healthy, floss frequently and brush twice a day.
- Schedule cleanings and examinations with your dentist every six months.
- Avoid tooth decay, stay away from sugary foods and beverages.
- Avoid discoloration, cut less on coffee and give up smoking.
- Maintain your teeth in their new position, wear your retainers as directed.
Smile More with Straighter Teeth
Zenyum Invisible Braces can help boost your confidence and improve oral hygiene.
