When you’re young and in need of teeth straightening it is much easier to take the plunge and have those wire braces fitted. But why is it we all want that super straight smile and do the benefits go beyond surface-level? 

What are the cosmetic benefits of straighter teeth?

Of course, happiness is not skin deep and we would never make claims that a smile can fix the ups and downs of life. But having a straight smile sure can make us feel much better about ourselves and how we feel about our teeth can have serious impacts on our self-esteem and body image. Human beings after all are a social species, biologically designed to be good communicators and much of this comes from our mouths.

What are the psychological benefits of straighter teeth?

If you worry or feel self-conscious about your slightly overlapping tooth or crooked smile, you are not alone. Lots of people feel similarly about their smiles. If you aren’t confident about your teeth it can leave a person feeling really down and unable to feel confident enough to communicate with their friends and family. Mental health is a massive part of a person’s overall well being – and it’s not just confidence that can be knocked. It has been shown that patients post-orthodontic treatment have reduced anxiety, sleep disorders, depression and better social functioning. Lots of adults avoid corrective treatment because they worry about pain or the embarrassment of wearing braces, but with invisible braces in Clapham the journey to a healthier smile can be comfortable and more discreet.

What are the physical benefits of straighter teeth?

If you were to have invisible braces in Clapham fitted you would see benefits that go beyond cosmetic and psychological, there are also practical benefits.

Straighter teeth can improve gum health. When your teeth are overlapped, cramped, or gapped a perfect breeding ground for bacteria is created. Bacteria that are hard to reach with a toothbrush can build up creating plaque and tartar which in turn can develop into gum disease.

Having wonky teeth is one of the factors for tooth grinding which not only damages the tooth itself by grinding down the surface but also can cause headaches. When your teeth are flush you are less likely to grind. It’s also worth noting that grinding your teeth when you have a misalignment (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together) can lead to jaw misalignment which in turn leads to further issues including face and neck pain. Your invisible braces in Clapham could help correct this issue before the problem worsens.

Do you have a speech impediment? Do you struggle to pronounce certain words? Or maybe you’ve suffered from a lisp since childhood. Lots of speech impediments can be potentially caused by having crooked teeth. Lots of impediments are caused by misalignment which means the tongue can’t get to the correct area of the mouth to create the right sound. If there are gaps in the teeth this can cause air to travel through and create a whistling sound on some words. All these problems could be cured with a treatment plan from us.