Many people wonder, “Does having straight teeth even matter?” There are many ways to analyze and respond to this question, but the answer is always the same. Yes – there is a real benefit and Return On Investment or “ROI” of straight teeth. There is real value in having a healthy, straight teeth. Not only value in regard to aesthetics, but also in self-confidence and lifetime monetary, as well.

Increased Self-Confidence

When your teeth are healthy and straight, it can be a real confidence booster, especially when speaking to others. It’s no secret that people are drawn to those that have high self-confidence, and that most people are naturally attracted to beautiful smiles. 

Did you know that 99.7% of adults believe that having a straight, beautiful smile is a crucial asset for social situations. When your teeth are straight, you naturally have more confidence smiling in any type of interaction and don’t have to worry about making a poor impression due to misaligned or crooked teeth.

A Healthier Mouth and Smile

Having straight teeth may not be at the top of the list of important health factors for most people, but it does have a number of health benefits. When your teeth are straight, you are much less likely to suffer from gum disease, and it’s easier to thoroughly clean your teeth when you brush and floss.

Consider some of the following ways crooked and straight teeth can affect your gums and teeth:

• Swollen, red gums can result from gapped or crowded teeth.
• The symptoms of gum disease can be reduced when your teeth are straight.
• Your gums fit better around your teeth when you have proper tooth alignment, which reduces the potential for gum disease.
• When teeth are crooked, it is easier to accumulate food buildup.
• When food particles are trapped, they can lead to more plaque, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay.

Improved Overall Health

You might be surprised to learn that your oral health is a good indication of your overall health. This is why it is so important to take care of your teeth every day and visit the dentist at least twice a year. For example, information related to gum disease has been linked to several other conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. When your bite is straight and properly aligned, it’s much easier to clean and care for your teeth, as well as help you eat and chew properly, helping to reduce gastrointestinal issues.

The Monetary ROI of Straight Teeth

If you don’t have a straight smile now, you may believe the investment to get one is just too great. However, as we’ve heard from many patients over the years, having straight teeth can actually provide monetary returns. So, how can straight teeth help you produce more money throughout your life?

First impressions are important for a number of reasons – personally, socially, and professionaly. In fact, a recent study confirmed that people who have straight teeth are perceived as being more successful, smarter, and even able to get more dates. 

There are even findings that can back up the negative judgments people often feel about individuals who have crooked or unhealthy-looking teeth. Two in every five Americans don’t go on another date with a person who has teeth that aren’t straight. Also, more than 50% of these people believe that someone who has teeth that are crooked would be less likely to get a job when competing with a person who has similar experience and a similar skill set.

Consider the following facts:

• 29% of Americans agree that the first part of a person’s face they notice is their teeth; 24% agree that this is the aspect that is most remembered.
• People with straight teeth are perceived by Americans to be 45% more likely to get a job over someone who has crooked teeth; they are also seen as 58% more likely to be successful and wealthy.

This means that when you have a straight smile, you are more likely to get a job, a date, and be successful in social and professional situations.

As you can see, the answer to the question, “does having straight teeth matter”, is a definite “yes!”. Straight teeth can impact your life in a number of ways and can even help you make more money throughout your life.

More importantly, however, is that it can help you maintain a healthy mouth and smile. If you want to achieve a better-looking smile and are ready to reap all the benefits of straight teeth, contact us today or book a free consultation to discuss your orthodontic treatment options.