You’ve heard that straight smiles are more attractive, but on a practical level, what else does a straight smile do for you?

There are many longterm benefits to straightening your smile with orthodontic treatment.

1. Straight teeth are easier to clean.

Even if you brush your teeth twice daily and floss to prevent plaque build-up, cleaning between your teeth is harder if your teeth are crowded. Crooked teeth can create pockets of hard-to-reach places. If you can’t easily reach them, you can’t easily brush and floss.

If you can’t keep it clean between your teeth, plaque build up is inevitable. When left unaddressed, plaque hardens to become tartar, which is much harder to remove and can discolor your teeth. Plaque can also cause cavities that permanently damage your oral health with cavities, broken teeth and even tooth loss.

2. Straight teeth can keep you healthier.

Studies have shown that tooth decay and bacteria are linked to heart disease. Individuals with poor oral hygiene and gum disease also have an elevated risk of pancreatic, kidney and blood cancers. Since straight teeth are easier to clean, it’s evident that clean, straight teeth can decrease your chance of these health issues.

3. Straight teeth help you chew and digest better.

Overbites, underbites and crowded teeth can make eating more difficult. Misaligned teeth can cause pain when biting down and chewing. A properly aligned bite is also crucial for proper digestion. Chewing is the first step in digesting your food. The better you chew your food, the easier it is for your body to digest it. The better your body breaks down your food, the more nutrients can be pulled from it. The more nutrients you get from your food, the healthier you can be.

4. A straight smile can lead to improved confidence.

Over 57% of Americans cover their mouths when they laugh because they’re insecure about how their teeth look. Studies have shown that straightening one’s teeth leads to a boost in self-confidence. Confident individuals are more open to new experiences, are more likely to collaborate with and celebrate others, take calculated risks and pursue opportunities for growth. Individuals with straight smiles are perceived as more attractive. Confident individuals are also seen as more attractive. It’s a positive cycle.