Several patients pursue orthodontic treatment at West Family Orthodontics so they can have an aesthetic, straight smile, but straight teeth provide more than just a pretty smile. Your teeth are meant to line-up and fit together, so they can properly do their job. When you have crooked teeth or misaligned jaws, your teeth can’t properly do their job. This can lead to a variety of oral health issues.
If you are considering visiting Dr. West to receive orthodontic treatment, you will be contributing to your oral health, and even to your overall health by straightening your teeth. Here are a few reasons why straight teeth mean more than just a pretty smile.
Crooked teeth are harder to clean
First of all, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean than straight teeth. Misaligned teeth provide plaque with the perfect, almost impossible to reach hiding spots. Almost impossible for even the most thorough oral hygiene routine! Missed plaque can build-up in these hiding spots and can cause cavities, gum inflammation and gum disease.
These oral issues affect more than the mouth. If crooked teeth cause plaque build-up, an increase in bacteria, and gum disease, you could be at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Any bacteria left in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and can cause infection, inflammation and disease in other parts of the body.
When straight teeth are properly aligned, maintaining your oral health is a breeze. You can reduce your risk of long-term oral complications like cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, gingivitis and more. Having properly aligned teeth and good oral hygiene actually improves your overall health.
Misaligned teeth are prone to injury
Our teeth are designed to sit together in a specific way, and when they don’t, it can cause excess wear and tear on our teeth, gums and jaws. When our teeth collide or touch in a way they weren’t meant to, they become brittle and are likely to crack or break.
A misaligned bite can cause unnecessary strain on your jaw muscles that can lead to pain and discomfort. In some cases, jaws that face considerable amounts of pressure from misalignments can result in TMJ.
When teeth are properly aligned, they can work together to help you chew, speak and rest your mouth comfortably. Having straight teeth changes the look of your smile, while also preserving the function of your teeth.
Sleep and breathing issues
Have you ever noticed yourself breathing through your mouth instead of your nose? Has anyone ever told you that you snore in your sleep? Both of these issues can be signs of a misaligned jaw, and can cause serious long-term health issues. Misaligned teeth, narrow jaws and improper tongue placement can all cause breathing problems and even sleep apnea.
“Mouth breathing,” which just means that you breathe with your mouth open rather than breathing through your nose, can cause crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can also cause mouth breathing. It is a cycle that can only be fixed with orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners. The position of your jaw can also affect your breathing. Misaligned jaws can cause the airway to become smaller and can make breathing difficult. This issue is directly tied back to mouth breathing.
While mouth breathing may not seem like that big of a deal, it can cause facial deformities, bad breath, gum disease, sleep disorders, and other issues. The most efficient way to correct mouth breathing is to undergo orthodontic treatment to align your jaws and straighten your teeth.
Everyone wants a straight smile they can feel confident about, but straight teeth go much deeper than the looks of your smile. If you or your child have crooked or misaligned teeth, it is important to get a consultation from an orthodontist so you can avoid the issues listed above.
Are you ready to straighten your teeth so cleaning can be a breeze? Are you worried about injuries to your teeth and gums due to misaligned jaws? Have you struggled with mouth breathing and worried about its long-term effects? Well, if you said yes to any of those questions, call West Family Orthodontics today at (517) 507-3001 to schedule your free consultation appointment. We can create a treatment plan that works for you and get you a straight smile that will last a lifetime!
