Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth: Why Alignment Matters
Do you have a bad bite? How about crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth? It’s easy to assume these dental issues are a cosmetic problem alone. But, over time, they can increase your chances of numerous dental complications.
At VP Dental in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Valerie M. Preston offers several cosmetic dental procedures on their own or as part of a smile makeover, including Invisalign®. This innovative teeth-straightening system can discreetly and comfortably correct a wide range of dental issues in teens and adults of all ages, including:
- • Crowded teeth
- • Crooked or gapped teeth
- • Overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites
If you have crooked teeth or jaw alignment problems, Dr. Preston can offer treatment recommendations that reduce your risk of these dental issues.
Gum disease and tooth decay
Your crooked teeth might add extra personality to your smile, but they can also make it harder to keep your teeth clean. Without proper cleaning, you have higher risks of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. These issues are some of the most common health problems in the world and can lead to complications like infections, toothaches, tooth loss, and bone loss in your jaw.
Excessive wear and enamel loss
When your teeth and jaw aren’t aligned properly, it can affect your ability to chew. This problem can cause a wide range of issues, from digestive disorders and discomfort when chewing to frequently biting your tongue or inner cheeks. Improper chewing also puts excessive wear and tear on your teeth and gums, increasing your risk of cracked teeth and enamel loss. This type of damage to your teeth leaves you more vulnerable to tooth decay and tooth loss.
Jaw problems
Your teeth aren’t the only thing at risk if you have alignment issues. They can also put unnecessary stress on your jaw muscles. Not only can this lead to jaw strain, but it can trigger temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders, like jaw pain and chronic headaches. Having a misaligned jaw can also cause you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose.
Problems speaking
If you have a lisp or difficulty articulating sounds, your teeth could be to blame. These common issues often develop from crooked or misaligned teeth. While speech problems may not affect your oral health, these issues can impact your self-confidence.
For more information on how straight and aligned teeth can improve your oral health, contact us by calling VP Dental or by booking an appointment online today.
