Much of the focus on teeth straightening treatments, whether they be metal braces or the highly popular modern aligner-like braces, is on how these orthodontic appliances are used to create warm and engaging smiles. In fact, it is not uncommon for ‘Invisalign dentist in Welwyn’ to be a top search term used by patients interested in orthodontics.
The debate on the most profound benefit of teeth straightening – superficial cosmetic goals or obtaining optimal oral health – continues to heat up. We discuss both sides of the coin.
Yes, focusing on improving a smile’s appearance is a worthy goal considering how attractive smiles can influence the overall quality of life. It is especially so for the younger generation who value winning smiles as real currency – beautiful smiles are most likely to gain the wearer better job prospects or allow them to take advantage of the fact that society rewards those with pleasing smiles. There are plenty of documented studies that have delved into this phenomenon of attractive physical appearance and its effects. One study found one in five respondents who admitted to taking the view that their teeth had more of a negative impact on their confidence than other common appearance woes like their body, hair, or wrinkles.
Individuals rated attractive are generally perceived to have many highly sought after positive characteristics like friendliness, intelligence, leadership potential, kindness, and trustworthiness. These individuals are also treated more fairly regardless of whether they were in a court of law or out on the street committing traffic offences. Society does this perhaps unconsciously for it does not signify whether they deserve it or not. We tend to respond favourably towards people who we think are more attractive; hence, even the processes of law may appear to be discriminatory in a way.
On the flip side of the coin is the real difference aligned teeth make to dental health. With all the awareness created around brushing teeth, only a slight few can claim to not know that oral hygiene is fundamental to dental health.
While many of us incorporate brushing teeth and flossing into our daily routines as suggested by the NHS, how many actually question how effective these recommended dental duties are?
This question is most pertinent to those who have crooked teeth since this oral health issue directly impacts oral hygiene. They may think that simply brushing their teeth is enough; however, this is far from the case for it is most likely that food particles and bad bacteria continue to hide and thrive in those awkward spaces in between crooked teeth.
It is not surprising to find that teeth are highly vulnerable to the invasion of hard deposits of plaque and tartar that give rise to gum diseases. Neglecting dental hygiene is a significant contributor to all sorts of dental health issues (bad breath, discoloured teeth, tooth decay, and missing teeth) which can eventually compromise the smile. This is where experienced dental practitioners come in as they are well equipped to evaluate dental health including the need for orthodontic help.