“I am 60 years old. Do I really need braces now?”

“I already had braces once!” 

These are some of the things we hear every day. If your teeth are not in alignment, then YES! You need braces! Why? Straight teeth lead to a healthier body! If you think crooked teeth affect only your appearance, keep reading. The American Dental Association (ADA) has shown time and time again that crooked teeth can have a detrimental effect on your overall health. 

The Benefits of Invisalign and Straight Teeth

Crooked teeth can harm your body. 

Well, kind of. They make it harder to brush and floss, which makes it easier for tartar and harmful bacteria to build up. The bacteria can cause infection, or gum and bone disease (periodontal disease), which is the primary cause of bad breath. That infection can enter your bloodstream and lead to or contribute to a host of conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and diabetic complications, respiratory complications such as pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, pre-term birth and low birth weight, and certain cancers (for example, men with gum disease are 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers).

Crooked teeth can lead to gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases.

Misaligned teeth eventually lead to tooth loss, which can result in the inability to chew food properly, choking, compromised digestion, reflux (indigestion) and malnutrition. Having fewer teeth causes people to eat highly processed soft foods, which tend to be higher in sugar and fat, lower in fiber and nutrients, are highly inflammatory. That can lead to leaky gut syndrome, which plays a role in gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Moreover, the nutritional deficiencies from malabsorption due to leaky gut may also be associated with other autoimmune diseases (lupus, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies, asthma, acne, obesity, and even mental illnesses like depression and anxiety).

Crooked teeth can decrease your life span.

In essence. They decrease self-esteem, confidence, and the amount of smiling you do. Smiling can help lengthen your life by causing your body to relax. It lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, helping the heart recover more quickly after stressful events. It causes endorphins, dopamine and serotonin to be released. Endorphins act as a natural pain reliever and serotonin acts as an antidepressant – without the negative side effects! Studies show that smiling is contagious! These neurotransmitters lower stress levels and boost your mood and, therefore, the mood of the people around you. When you smile at someone and they smile back, you both release feel-good chemicals that increase the chance of you both living longer and healthier lives. It’s true – happy people breed happy people. Also, research demonstrates that happiness breeds wealth and success. Smiling is good for your social, financial, emotional AND physical health. Smiling is a magical superpower. It can change your life and the world around you!

Straight teeth are so important to your physical health and mental wellbeing.

Now ask us again if you need braces. If your teeth are not in alignment, then the answer is YES! And now you know why.  The good news is there’s an easy solution to fixing crooked teeth and becoming healthier overall. Invisalign is the clear alternative to traditional metal braces. It provides faster, more predictable results, improved comfort, and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The clear aligners are removable and practically invisible! Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can improve your smile and help you live a happier, healthier life.

Straighten Your Teeth with a Dentist in Richmond, VA

If you would like more information about Invisalign treatment schedule a free consultation with us.