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Slide 5 of 8

Myth: People Only Straighten Teeth For Their Appearance

Truth: Straightening your teeth benefits your dental health.

There are many nonaesthetic reasons why people straighten their teeth, Roberts said. "We align teeth so that your bite fits properly and your teeth will not wear out as fast," she explained. It's better for your jaw muscles to have a bite that's aligned, and a straighter smile also means there are less places for bacteria to hide and grow in your mouth. "The side effect is you happen to get pretty, straight teeth," she said.