If you have a crooked smile, you’ve probably been dreaming of having it corrected for a while now. Most people think adult orthodontics are strictly a cosmetic choice, but the truth is that more evenly aligned teeth are always healthier teeth. Choosing to start a course of adult orthodontic treatment can help you in many ways; you will feel better about yourself knowing you are working to improve your appearance, and you will be ensuring your teeth have a better chance at staying healthy for the rest of your life!

At Smiles 4 Grant Park, dentist Abbey Lee can help you get a straighter smile for improved oral health and self-confidence. Contact our office to learn about Six Month Smiles and Invisalign® treatments.

The Health Benefits of an Evenly Aligned Smile

There are two major benefits to correcting misaligned teeth. The first is the fact that evenly spaced teeth are easier to keep clean. When teeth are crowded together, it makes it harder for toothbrush bristles to clean them thoroughly when you brush. It can also make flossing more difficult, and painful. For example, if your teeth are so tightly packed-in that you have to “pop” the floss in and out, you run a greater risk of damaging your gum tissue when you floss. This can be painful and make you more vulnerable to gum disease. When teeth have the proper amount of space between them, it’s easier to clean every surface of the tooth, and it’s easier for dentists to treat cavities when they occur.

The second benefit of straighter teeth comes from proper bite alignment. If the top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly when you bite and chew, you run a greater risk of developing:

• TMJ disorder
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Enamel erosion
• Cracked teeth

These problems may not develop early in your adult life, but they may become an issue down the road. This can mean a greater need for dental restorations, such as crowns, and a greater vulnerability to tooth decay. Straightening the teeth can help you ensure you have the best bite alignment possible for good oral health throughout your life.

The Psychological Impact of Tooth-Shame

Did you know that it’s been scientifically proven that the act of smiling improves your mood? Even forcing yourself to laugh can have an impact on how happy you feel. It makes sense that if you are constantly hiding your smile—or worse, trying not to smile—you are denying yourself happiness.

Having a smile you feel good about is also an important part of being social. If you withhold your feelings to try to hide your teeth, not only will you not be free to express yourself naturally, but others will also sense you are holding back. This can make you come across as guarded or inhibited with other people. Maybe that’s okay with you, but most people enjoy being outgoing and socially approachable. Some people even need this quality to do well in their chosen profession. If you are in a line of work that requires you to interact with clients or colleagues, you need to feel comfortable with your appearance, and that includes your smile.

For many patients, the benefits of correcting a flawed smile are not apparent until they see the difference. If you don’t like your smile, know that it is most definitely having an impact on your social and professional life. Finally taking the initiative to reach out and correct your smile may change your life in ways you can’t even imagine!

Faster Adult Orthodontics

Today’s adult orthodontic options are much faster than traditional braces. Few adults want to spend two years with metal braces visible in their smiles, so innovative treatments have been devised to speed up treatment time and correct your smile faster. Invisalign treatments can often be completed in 12-18 months, and Six Month Smiles take less than a year.

What are you waiting for? A more aesthetic and healthier smile can be yours! Your new smile is waiting with Grant Park orthodontics. Dr. Abbey Lee can help you find it. Call 404-328-7177 to make an appointment.