Thrive Magazine 2022 - A Guide to Your Health and Wellness

DENTAL CARE

Are pretty teeth an exercise in vanity?

The truth about benefits gained from alignment

By Dr. Kristin Horman

I spend hours every week talking with people about the idea of straightening their teeth. There are a multitude of reasons that motivate a person to consider aligning their teeth, but as different as those reasons might be, there is one common theme that runs through each person’s mind – that straightening their teeth is an exercise in vanity. It is assumed that orthodontic treatment – whether it be braces or clear aligners, such as Invisalign – is a branch of cosmetic dentistry. But this could not be further from the truth.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I would never argue that straight teeth don’t look amazing. Who doesn’t enjoy the flash of a beautiful smile? But the benefit a person gains from aligning their teeth goes far beyond cosmetics. In fact, it is almost impossible NOT to gain a health benefit from aligning your teeth.

For one, it is always easier to care for teeth that are aligned. Any dental hygienist will tell you that there is a world of difference in the amount of plaque and tartar in the mouth of someone with straight teeth as opposed

to someone with crowded teeth. The ability to reach all surfaces of a tooth with a toothbrush and floss is dramatically easier when your teeth are aligned, which leads to healthier gums and significantly less decalcification and cavities.

Another, lesser-known side effect of crowded, misaligned teeth is the excessive wear and tear to which they are subjected. We generate an incredible amount of force when biting and chewing. Crooked, overlapped teeth and narrow irregular arches do not fit together correctly. Combine these two things, and it results in fractured enamel, worn down, chipped edges and broken teeth. Patients spend a lot of time and money at the dentist, not because of cavities and gingivitis, but instead getting chipped and broken teeth fixed. Teeth that are aligned, and arches that fit together evenly, result in a bite that helps all the teeth share equally in the burden of chewing, and the forces of biting are absorbed by the teeth in a way that is not damaging.

In almost every patient I treat, the choice to align their teeth results in a win-win-win scenario. They get the benefit of healthier gums and fewer cavities because their teeth are easier

The ability to reach all surfaces of a tooth with a toothbrush and floss is dramatically easier when your teeth are aligned, which leads to healthier gums and significantly less decalcification and cavities.

to clean. They gain a balanced, even bite so their teeth are not damaged by the forces of biting. And – BONUS – their teeth look great, too.

In this modern era, metal braces are not the only option. The invention of clear aligner therapy has opened the door for millions of adults to receive orthodontic treatment, when they would have never considered traditional braces. Think you are not a candidate for clear aligner therapy? I bet you are wrong. You would be amazed by the difficult cases we can treat and the beautiful results we can achieve. So, as the world begins to return to normal

and we get out from behind our masks, give yourself the gift of a perfect smile. And know that it is not only cosmetic — it is the HEALTHIEST thing for your teeth!