Could Straighter Teeth Improve Your Dental Health?
A straight smile isn’t just about aesthetics. In fact, your crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth can threaten far more than your self-confidence. Many patients put off or avoid orthodontic treatment without knowing that they are missing out on improving both the appearance and health of their smile.
Here are a few oral health conditions that orthodontics could help you avoid:
TMJ Disorders: One of the primary reasons for orthodontic treatment is to correct a misaligned bite. Malocclusions can compromise the function of your jaw joint, which can lead to disruptive TMJ problems. TMJ disorders are often associated with symptoms such as frequent morning headaches, jaw pain and/or jaw popping.
Damaged Teeth: A misaligned bite means that your teeth are not properly fitting together when you bite down. Therefore, you may suffer from premature tooth damage as a result of unnatural biting pressures. This can also cause damage to existing dental restorations such as crowns or fillings.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: How would orthodontics put you at less risk for gum disease and tooth decay? If your teeth are crowded, crooked or overlapping, you are likely facing notable challenges in your oral hygiene habits. Plaque and bacteria accumulation in those hard to reach spaces can eventually threaten your oral health in a major way. Cavities and gum disease are triggered from a buildup of plaque, tartar and harmful bacteria that were not successfully removed during brushing and flossing. Not only does gum disease cause tooth loss if left untreated, but it can also increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
To find out if your crooked smile is sabotaging your oral health, call Cosmetic Dentistry of Hayward. While we are passionate about creating beautiful and balanced smiles, we never lose sight of the importance of a healthy and functional bite. We offer the latest orthodontic treatments available so that patients can straighten their smile in ways that are affordable, convenient and discreet.