Below, I will outline the 5 top reasons YOU SHOULD get your smile straightened.

Number one would be appearance. Straight, white teeth are more attractive than crooked, yellowed and broken down teeth. Along with the straight teeth comes an improved bite. Various bite problems from overbite to underbite can cause excessive wear of your teeth, possible jaw joint problems and even problems breathing. Crowded teeth, crooked teeth, overjet and overbite can all lead to swollen, red, bleeding gums because it is difficult to brush and floss around them. This leads to next reason to get your teeth straightened.

Straight teeth are healthier teeth. Straight teeth get fewer cavities, are less likely to have problems with discoloration, uneven wear and fractures. The gums are healthier too and therefore you are less likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Straight teeth and healthy gums mean you can chew anything you want. Your teeth are less likely to be sensitive to heat or cold and you lower your risk of painful and expensive dental problems.

The number three reason to straighten your teeth is simply that you will feel better about yourself. True be told, appearance does matter. Studies have proven over and over again the advantages of an attractive appearance and smile as it relates to job opportunities. The amount of money you make and even the people you attract into your life. Like it or not, your smile is a reflection of you.

A fourth reason to get your teeth straightened is that it could potentially help you live longer. There are well known studies that prove that people who floss daily will live an extra 7 years longer. Flossing is fun when you have room for the floss and not so fun when your teeth are crooked and crowded. A study done in 2009 and published in the American Journal of Cardiology showed that people with gum disease are 24 -35 percent more likely to suffer coronary artery disease. As mentioned above, straight teeth are easier to keep clean and therefore you are less likely to have gum disease and heart disease too!

Finally, the fifth reason to get straight teeth is to prevent your teeth from getting fractured. Protruding (buck) teeth are easily broken from an accidental fall, sports related injury, car accidents and schoolyard brawls. During my 25 years in practice, I have seen this happen on many occasions to patients. By getting your teeth straight and your protruding teeth back inside your mouth, you will find that you have a better chance of keeping them from injury. Of course, if you do play contact sports, we always recommend a mouth guard to protect your teeth during orthodontics and after they are perfectly straight.

These are the top five reasons you should consider straightening your teeth or your children’s’ teeth. For more information about the various options available to you to get the desired smile you want read more about braces for adults or give us a call at (916) 435-8000.  To find out about options for your children, read more about braces for kids.

Needless to say, we do know how Orthodontics can impact your child and you too, forever! Modern Orthodontics can change your smile in as little as 6 months. Some of the newest advances in “braces” today are totally invisible and perfect for any adult or teen who wants a fabulous smile that can last a lifetime.

One new innovation in invisible braces in the past 8 years is Invisalign. Invisalign Orthodontic treatment involves wearing a series of clear removable aligners ( they resemble a very thin mouthguard) approximately 22 hours per day. They are removed for eating and toothbrushing. The aligners last about two weeks, then you switch to another set for another 2weeks. This process continues until your teeth are aligned and your smile is fabulous!

The technology that goes into the making of the aligners is quite sophisticated. An impression or “mold” of your teeth is taken and then sent to Invisalign. The mold of your teeth is scanned and then digitized. A computer generated sequence of tooth movements is then put into place for approval by the treating Orthodontist. Once the Orthodontist approves the final result and how the teeth are moved and aligned, the clear aligners are fabricated and sent to the Orthodontist for delivery to the patient.Invisalign treatment is invisible and virtually pain free.

More recently, braces that go behind the teeth called “lingual braces” are increasingly popular especially for adults who are in sales or speaking careers. The braces that go behind your teeth (lingual) are completely invisible and work in a similar fashion to the braces that go on the front of your teeth. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are spokeswomen for the company known as “I Braces” that manufactures these custom made braces. The Cowboy Cheerleaders are known for having a Half-Time contest asking the audience to guess which cheerleaders have braces on!

One question that comes up regarding the “I Braces” is a concern about the potential irritation of the tongue by the braces. Whether the braces are on the front of your teeth or on the back, there will 2 weeks of some adjustment either by your cheeks or your tongue.

If you are not opposed to having braces on the front of your teeth, but you still want a no metal option, then newest type of braces, called Innovation-C are the choice for you. These braces have the advantage of never discoloring (they are made of ceramic) and move the teeth more efficiently and quickly without the associated pain and discomfort of traditional metal braces. They have a clip that holds the wire in place rather than a clear or colored elastic tie. This allows the wire that is attached to the brace to be constantly active. These type of braces work best with light wires and therefore, light but consistent force on the teeth. Studies have shown that the time spent in braces can be decreased by 25% with these new type of clip braces.

Invisalign, “I Braces” and Innovation-C braces, are just some of newest innovations in Modern Orthodontics today.

Studies have shown that your physical appearance does effect your economic status. According to Danile Hammermesh and Jeff Biddle, two economists with the National Bureau of Economic Research, they have found the more attractive your appearance, the more money you will make. Orthodontics is truly an investment in you and your family’s future.

Drs. Cater and Galante are a husband and wife team of Orthodontists who have been in practice together for over 15 years. They have over 45 years of combined experience in Orthodontics and are Premier Providers of Invisalign ( top 5% nationwide).