Local Dentist
Local Dentist | It is not surprising to learn that a common reason for choosing orthodontic treatment for repairing a crooked smile is to enhance one’s appearance. However, many people do not feel the need to improve their appearance by wearing some type of dental braces. They are simply content to live with uneven or misaligned teeth.
These same people may feel differently if they knew that the benefits of undergoing orthodontic treatment are not merely cosmetic in nature.
Having misaligned teeth can cause a number of health problems, ranging from being merely unpleasant to highly significant.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can develop due to an accumulation of plaque when oral bacteria is not removed from your mouth because you are not properly brushing and flossing. Known as gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease is treatable and reversible.
Left untreated, gum disease can progress into periodontitis that eventually results in tooth loss. If you have misaligned teeth, more gum tissue is exposed so that gum disease can occur more quickly and readily.
Bad Breath
In most cases, you probably know why your breath is not as fresh as you want it to be. For example, you may have smoked a cigarette or eaten foods rich in garlic. But if there is no obvious reason why you have bad breath, it is probably due to bacterial accumulation.
Since crooked teeth are more difficult to clean properly than a properly aligned set of teeth, there are additional gaps and spaces for oral bacteria to find safe harbor. Your local dentist will find the root of the issue and suggest treatments.
Tooth Erosion
When teeth are misaligned or crowded, they may protrude further or in unusual directions, resulting in teeth rubbing against each other. The force gradually begins wearing away the outer surface of your teeth, which may expose the dentin layer underneath. This can result in significant pain and make it more likely that you develop tooth decay.
TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) involves a dysfunctional temporomandibular joint connecting your jaws to your skull. Misalignment here could result in TMJ disorder.
You may experience headaches, jaw clicking, pain, and a number of other symptoms and dental health problems. Fortunately, your local dentist can diagnose TMJ and suggest treatments.
Improper Bite
You may not be able to bite properly if you have gaps between your jaws, an overbite or an underbite. Common problems like these include examples like being unable to chew through a sandwich pickle or cleanly bite into a piece of bread. Be sure to contact your local dentist to evaluate your bite.
Another problem with having an improper bite is that you may rely upon your rear teeth more than you would otherwise, leading to eventual problems with your back teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are ready to enhance your smile by straightening your teeth, contact our local dentist. Our local dentist at Manassas Smiles offers a variety of treatments. This includes the following.
- Dental exams and cleanings
- Dental implants
- Invisalign
- Teeth Whitening
- Root Canals
- And Much More!
