Is a Straight Smile Healthier?
January 10, 2018
A ;straightened smile can be healthier than a crooked, misaligned smile. Crooked teeth may seem like just a cosmetic issue, but it can be harmful to your oral health. Crooked teeth are more prone to breakage, tooth decay, and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also lead to TMJ disorder and chronic headaches. Invisalign® treatment may be able to straighten a crooked smile and eliminate some of the harmful risks. Straightening your smile can also make you feel more confident in your smile’s appearance.
Decreased Risk of Damage, Decay, and Disease
Crooked teeth can bump into each other at weird angles, which can put pressure on areas of the teeth that are not designed to sustain pressure and friction. Pressure and friction can lead to chips and cracks, broken teeth, and even tooth loss. Crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight teeth. Because crooked teeth overlap, it can create pockets where bacteria can hide. Hiding bacteria could stay behind after your brushing and flossing sessions, which leaves the bacteria time to cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Reduced Risk of TMJ Disorder
A misaligned bite can lead to excess wear on the joint in your jaw, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Correcting your smile’s alignment can reduce your risk of developing TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is one marked by chronic headaches, lock jaw, jaw popping, pain in the cheeks, jaw, neck, and shoulders. Crooked teeth can also increase the likelihood of grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism), which can lead to breakage or decay. Grinding your teeth can also cause tooth sensitivity and chronic headaches.
Increased Confidence
Some people with crooked, misaligned teeth may feel insecure and less confident about their smile’s appearance. Smiling can lead to happier moods, so straighter smiles can lead to more confidence and better moods. Treating your smile with Invisalign® can be a way to get that straighter smile to benefit your health and your confidence.
A Straighter Smile Can Be Healthier
Are you ready to get a straighter smile? To schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.