Ryan M. Buckwalter, DDS, FICOI, FAGD

1420 Greenbrier Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901

434.973.2224

Benefits of Straighter Teeth

Given the costs of orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry, you may hesitate to invest in these teeth-straightening treatments. But what are the benefits of having straight teeth beside a better-looking smile? Professional cosmetic dentistry services can improve your oral health, reduce dental wear and tear, save you money over the long term, and give you clearer speech. 

The Hillcrest Dental team is happy to provide residents of Albemarle County, VA, with excellent dental work! Our cosmetic services—including braces, veneers, and bleaching—have allowed us to serve up smiles since 1953. Learn more about how Hillcrest can help you smile. To receive a free consultation, call us today at (434) 973-2224. 

Below, we discuss the benefits of straightened teeth: 

Improved Oral Health 

Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult tasks. Often, this condition not only leads to poor teeth cleaning but also negligence of dental hygiene. Additionally, food stuck between your teeth can cause plaque and raises your risk for cavities and tooth decay.  

Crooked teeth can also cause wounds, sores, and infections by pressing on soft tissues in the mouth. Gapped and crowded teeth can lead to red or swollen gums, while loss of teeth and bone can cause gum disease 

Straight teeth are easy for toothbrushes and floss to navigate, and effective cleaning decreases your risk of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and many other ailments. Gums also fit around straight teeth better, which reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. 

Reduced Wear & Tear 

Crooked teeth also endure more wear and tear than straight ones. Every time you bite down, your teeth sustain pressure. If they are aligned improperly, they wear down quicker. Gum recession, insufficient root support, and loose teeth can all arise from crooked teeth. They may also lead to headaches, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort due to the jaw stress they cause. 

Poor dental hygiene can contribute to such health conditions as heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Furthermore, misaligned bites have caused digestion issues, as improper chewing can upset nutrition intake and cause indigestion and flatulence.  

Saves Money in the Long Term 

Of course, straight teeth mean fewer dental problems, and fewer dental problems mean fewer visits to the dentist. While braces or other alignment services will have a price tag upfront, they’ll save you money in the long run. Straight teeth help avoid recovery procedures for cavities, decay, tooth loss, and other issues.  

Moreover, straight teeth are less prone to accidents. A protruding tooth is much more likely to get damaged, knocked out, or cause damage to surrounding tissue in an accident. Even sports-related mouthguards may offer no help, as they may fit improperly on misaligned teeth. 

Clearer Speech & More Smiling 

Another benefit of straight teeth is clear speech. Crooked teeth can cause speech impediments, undermining a person’s self-esteem and other aspects of their life. While corrective braces and aligners may cause a bit of a lisp, their results more than justify this inconvenience. 

Finally, a person with straight teeth is more likely to smile, which stimulates nerves in the face and makes people feel happier! A great smile also increases self-esteem, easing social situations. 

Hillcrest Dental: Expert Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Albemarle County

Hillcrest Dental offers professional cosmetic dentistry services to those in and around Albemarle County. We offer teeth straightening with clear braces and clear aligners via our invisible braces partner, 6 Month Smiles. Moreover, we use photography, x-rays, models, and other methods to generate cosmetic imaging that allows you to preview your new smile. Sign up for a free consultation or speak with one of our staff at (434) 973-2224 today. 

  • "I am very pleased with how my appointment went yesterday. Everyone was really friendly. They explained everything to me about the procedure and stayed late to assure I was comfortable with the work I had done. Dr Ryan Buckwalter and his assistants were awesome. I highly recommend them for any dental work. Thank you."

    Donnette M.

  • "I was having toothache pain in my lower jaw. I called the next day to make an appointment and was given an appointment time for the very next day. I saw Dr. Ryan, who is knowledgeable, caring and has great people skills with his patients. I made another appointment to come back and have the work done."

    Denise K.

  • “Dr. Buckwalter and his assistant did a wonderful job with our 8 year old today. While they were busy talking teeth, my 3 year old was enjoying his new lip balm and balloon! Finished up with a treat from Starbucks with our gift card. So glad our kiddos don’t fear the dentist. More like they want to keep stopping in."

    Logan D.

  • “Unbelievable experience with Dr. Ryan Buckwalter. Night and Day difference from my last dental experience with another dentist. I no longer fear the dentist!”

    David S.