Your teeth endure a lot of pressure and extreme forces. Each time you bite, you place pressure on your enamel. This can lead to enamel wear, especially if your teeth are not properly aligned. 

Your ability to chew efficiently depends on the alignment (occlusion) of your teeth. You can improve your chewing efficiently while evenly distributing the force of biting by undergoing orthodontic treatment with the help of a trusted orthodontist or dentist. 

Dental crowding creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to clean through brushing and flossing. The presence of bacteria is what leads to gingivitis and more serious forms of gum disease.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Even the early stages of gum disease will eventually lead to gum tissue recession. To protect your gums, consider using Invisalign clear aligners to address lingering misalignment issues with your smile. 

Straight teeth place less strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and jaw muscles. The TMJs allow the hinge-like joint on either side of your jaw to open and close smoothly. Any impediment to this movement, such as from crooked teeth, can place strain on your TMJs.

The protracted strain on your TMJs can lead to a serious condition called TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can cause the joints on either side of your jawbone to become inflamed and painful. 

In severe cases, TMJ disorder can require surgery. To avoid this degenerative condition, consider having your teeth straightened by visiting an orthodontist in Clemmons NC. 

Our teeth perform an important role in speech. The position of your teeth affects how easily your tongue can reach the back of your teeth when certain vowels and consonants are spoken. If you have crooked teeth, that can lead to an overbite or underbite that can further cause speech impediments.

A large gap between your teeth (diastema) can lead to speech issues as well. A lisp or involuntary light whistling are two types of speech problems that can result from crooked teeth. 

Having a strong sense of self-esteem is good for your mental health and well-being. The appearance of your smile can be a strong determiner of how your feel about yourself. Few things are more embarrassing than an unattractive smile. 

When you look your best, you tend to feel better about yourself and your life situations. To boost your confidence, consider orthodontic treatments. They will give you something really smile about!

Protruding teeth can place your teeth at increased risk of being injured, chipped, or cracked. By contrast, straight teeth that are aligned and spaced evenly are stronger and more resilient to injury. 

Are you wondering, "How long does it take to get straight teeth?" The answer varies from person to person, but you can expect to spend several months to a few years undergoing treatment using metal braces or clear aligners. 

Our office offers the clear choice: Invisalign's clear aligners.

The clear trays are nearly invisible when worn, and they deliver the same cosmetic results that traditional metal braces do.

As you place each new tray, you'll notice your smile becoming more beautiful. The advanced aligners are great at addressing gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, and even cross bite. 

Say goodbye to crowded teeth and the need for strict dietary restrictions and uncomfortable wire tightening's. 

Have you always wanted perfectly straight teeth? Advancements in dental technology allow our patients to enjoy a bright, beautiful smile in as little as a few months. As we noted in this article, an attractive smile is also great for your oral health and overall health. 

At Rice & Associates, our goal is you leave you saying, "Wow!" We're known for treating every patient who walks through the door like family, and we take the time to get to know each of our valued patients. 

Are you ready to enjoy a healthier and more attractive smile? Contact our office today so we can schedule your first consultation.