The Benefits of Having Braces: Why Straight Teeth Matter for Your Health and Confidence

If you have crooked or crowded teeth, it’s important to know that there are several health-related problems this condition can cause beyond how your smile looks. Here are 10 reasons why straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners can dramatically improve your health, confidence and quality of life.

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1. You’re More Prone to Gum Disease

Crooked teeth make it much harder to clean between the gaps, allowing plaque and bacteria to build up. Over time, this can lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease. With professional orthodontic treatment in Godalming, you can achieve a healthier smile that’s easier to maintain.

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2. It’s More Difficult to Keep Your Teeth Clean

Flossing and brushing are essential for oral hygiene, but when teeth overlap, it’s almost impossible to reach every surface. By straightening your teeth with braces or Invisalign®, you’ll make it easier to keep your mouth clean and fresh.

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3. Crooked Teeth Wear Out Faster

Crowded teeth can cause uneven contact between your upper and lower teeth, wearing down the enamel over time. This friction can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, or even abscesses. Orthodontic treatment helps your bite align correctly, protecting your enamel and prolonging your teeth’s lifespan.

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4. It’s Tough to Chew

When your bite is misaligned, chewing can become uncomfortable or inefficient. This may cause jaw strain and digestive problems due to improper chewing. Braces help align your bite, ensuring your teeth and jaw work in harmony.

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5. Bad Breath is Common

Bacteria trapped in hard-to-reach areas can lead to persistent bad breath. While mouthwash helps, the only real solution is correcting misaligned teeth. After orthodontic treatment, you’ll notice fresher breath and improved oral hygiene.

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6. The Psychological Effects Are Real

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. When you’re proud of your teeth, you smile more often - which can reduce stress and boost self-confidence. A straight, healthy smile can have a powerful positive effect on your emotional wellbeing.

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7. Heart Problems

Research suggests that poor oral health may be linked to heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves. By improving your dental alignment and hygiene, you can help protect your overall health.

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8. An Increased Risk of Broken Teeth

When teeth are misaligned, they experience uneven pressure that can weaken them over time. This increases the risk of chipped or broken teeth. Orthodontic correction distributes pressure evenly across your bite, making your teeth stronger and more resilient.

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9. Frequent Headaches

Jaw tension from crooked teeth can lead to chronic headaches or facial pain. Straightening your teeth helps relieve the pressure that contributes to these painful symptoms, improving both your comfort and posture.

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10. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

Crooked teeth can contribute to TMJ disorder, causing jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth. Orthodontic treatment realigns your bite to reduce stress on the jaw joint and prevent long-term discomfort.

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Experience the Benefits of Straighter Teeth in Farnham

Now that you know the health risks associated with crooked teeth, it’s time to explore your options. At West Street Orthodontic Practice our expert team offers a range of solutions - from traditional braces to clear aligners — designed to help you achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve.

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Whether you’re dealing with crowding, jaw pain, or frequent headaches, our orthodontists in West Street Orthodontic Practice can create a personalised treatment plan to get your teeth back on the straight and narrow.

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Book your consultation today at West Street Orthodontic Practice and start your journey to a healthier, happier smile.

(This article was written by Dr Theo Swanepoel who is a Dentist With Special Interest at Surrey Orthodontics in Godalming)

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Patient Notice

If you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and have any questions about this topic or your care, please speak to your Orthodontist or Orthodontic Therapist at your next visit.

If you are interested in starting orthodontic treatment, we would be delighted to arrange a consultation with our Treatment Coordinator, who can discuss all available options.

For children under 18, we recommend speaking with your regular dentist first to check whether an NHS referral may be possible. Alternatively, we are also pleased to offer private orthodontic care for children and adults.

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