There are many health benefits to straightening out your smile. Straight teeth aid effective biting, chewing and speaking. They contribute to healthy teeth and gums – not to mention the improved appearance of your smile. When you visit our dentists at Smile Perfection in Chermside and Aspley, we may recommend orthodontics or cosmetic treatments to correct mal-alignments and positioning problems. Crooked or overlapping teeth aren’t just a cosmetic problem that affects the appearance of your smile. Properly aligned teeth can help to prevent and alleviate various physical health problems, including headaches and neck pain. Prevent Periodontal Disease Crookedness and crowding make it very difficult to adequately clean the teeth and gums on a daily basis. Poor cleaning can lead to a build-up of bacteria, which if left untreated, can cause sores and tender and bleeding gums in addition to tooth decay and cavities.  Large gaps between the teeth can also affect gum health, leading to redness and inflammation, and eventually periodontal disease. It’s not uncommon to see patients with misaligned and crowded teeth suffer from gum recession. When the teeth are properly aligned, the gums are able to fit more tightly around the teeth, providing the strongest natural defence against periodontal problems. Complications with bite Crooked teeth can cause further complications with your bite as it forces the jaw to move into an unnatural position. When this occurs the upper and lower teeth no longer align. This can lead to wearing down of the teeth and added sensitivity problems. In addition, an improper bit can cause headaches, shoulder and neck pain, and eventually chewing and speaking problems, if left untreated. Orthodontics It’s never too late to benefit from orthodontics. People often assume braces are for teenagers, but there are many benefits to transforming your smile into a healthy and confident one at any age. To avoid future complications that can arise with a crooked smile, it’s always a good idea to visit your dentist to discuss appropriate treatment options. There are also many highly effective, discreet orthodontic options available today. Metal braces aren’t the only option The introduction of Invisalign has seen many patients achieve a straighter smile without the hassle of metal braces and brackets. In addition to its highly discreet, almost invisible material, Invisalign aligners are removable. They can be taken out before eating and before brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent decay.  Invisalign consists of a series of transparent, custom-made aligners that are replaced every two weeks, effectively shifting the teeth into place over time. Discover what a straight smile can do for you Your dentist at Smile Perfection in Bulimba and Aspley will assess whether you require cosmetic or orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth. If your teeth are crowded or mal-aligned, or you have an improper bite, dental treatments may improve your oral and physical health. So avoid further complications and expensive procedures, visit your dentist at Smile Perfection in Bulimba or Aspley today.