While almost everyone would like to have a prettier smile, orthodontic treatment can do more than rearrange your teeth into a more visually pleasing state. Alignment issues like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can lead to a range of oral health problems as well as discomfort in the head, neck, and back. Here’s a brief overview of the many health benefits of having straight teeth and how to have your alignment issues addressed.
Well-Aligned Teeth Are Less Prone to Damage
The teeth are designed to be arranged in such a way that distributes the pressure of chewing evenly among them while protecting the gums from injury. If the teeth are not properly aligned, some of them can endure significantly more pressure than others during the chewing process, which makes them more likely to break and become infected. Gaps between teeth can also leave the gums exposed to injuries caused by food debris or provide space for large accumulations of plaque and sugary residue.
A Straight Smile Is Easier to Clean
When the teeth overlap because they are too close together, they are considered crowded. Dental crowding can make it much more difficult to clean your teeth by preventing a toothbrush from treating some areas of the enamel or similarly complicating the flossing process. This can discourage someone from adopting the oral hygiene habits necessary to keep their teeth in excellent shape for life. Straight teeth are much easier to clean, which can significantly decrease a person’s risk of oral infections.
Dental Misalignments Can Cause TMJ Issues
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the jaw to the skull, and having teeth that don’t come together properly during the chewing process can cause a lot of stress to these complicated structures. Dental misalignments can lead to symptoms of TMJ disorder such as teeth grinding, headaches, backaches, neck pain, or jaw pain.
How Can I Get Straighter Teeth?
Traditional metal braces are a tried and proven way to realign your smile. These remarkable appliances consist of brackets cemented to the teeth and wires run through them to create tension. Throughout the treatment process, your orthodontist will make adjustments to your braces so they can provide the constant force necessary to bring your teeth into healthier positions. While this process requires much discipline regarding hygiene and maintenance, it can address even complex alignment issues and deliver amazing results that last for life.
About the Author
Dr. Alex Johnson earned his dental degree and his orthodontic certificate at Washington University and stays abreast of the latest developments in dentistry through continuing education coursework. He is proud to be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists as well as the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His Palm Harbor office provides orthodontic services such as traditional braces and Invisalign to patients of all ages. To schedule your orthodontic consultation, contact his practice online or dial (727) 786-7550.