Many people believe that orthodontic treatment is solely for correcting the cosmetic appearance of your smile, but those many people would be wrong. Crooked, misaligned teeth cause more problems than just causing you to be insecure about the look of your smile. Correcting misaligned, crooked teeth can lower your risk of developing problems like chronic headaches, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease, TMJ disorder, and damage to teeth. Straightening your teeth is not only good for the appearance and confidence, but it can help improve your overall and oral health.
Chronic Headaches
Malocclusion, the misalignment of your teeth, can lead for uneven wear on your jaws and teeth. This kind of wear can lead to chronic headaches. If you find yourself with chronic headaches and no other health problems, ask your dentist or orthodontist if they may be caused by the alignment of your teeth.
Bad Breath
Crooked teeth cause overlapping teeth to create nooks and crannies. These nooks and crannies become perfect places for bacteria to hide when you brush and floss. Crooked teeth are difficult to navigate with a tooth brush and floss, so this bacteria sticks around in your mouth after you have finished with your oral care routine. Bacteria causes bad breath.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
The same harmful bacteria that causes bad breath can also cause both tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria, plaque, and tartar can buildup, especially in the areas that are hard to clean, and lead to an increased risk of cavities and inflammation in the gums.
Damage To The Teeth
Misalignment causes uneven wear on certain teeth. It can even cause some teeth to point in the wrong direction or to rub up directly against each other. This kind of friction can leave the teeth with tiny fractures leaving the teeth susceptible to future breakage.
TMJ Disorder
Misalignment also causes excessive wear on your jaw and the its hinge joint, the temporomandibular joint. Over time, this wear can lead to TMJ disorder, which can cause bruxism, pain in the face, neck, and shoulders, along with jaw popping and locking.
Are you ready to address your crooked teeth?
Orthodontic treatment can decrease the risk of developing problems from crooked teeth. We serve adults, teens, and children from White Settlement, North Fort Worth, Springtown, Rome, Haslet, Azle, Saginaw, and surrounding Texas communities. To schedule a consultation, call our Ft. Worth, TX, office today at (817) 236-7846.
