The majority of people choose to have their teeth straightened with braces or clear aligners to enhance their overall look. Did you know that your teeth constantly shift and crowd as you age? Allowing a cosmetic dentist in Wichita Falls to correct your crooked teeth and misaligned bite can help maintain good health throughout your life. When not addressed, health problems can arise. Read on to know how having crooked teeth can impact your health in the long term:
Increased Risk of Gum Disease and Cavities
Depending on how serious the misalignment of the teeth is, crooked teeth may be hard to clean. Even if you regularly brush and floss your teeth, plaque may still stay in areas that cannot be reached because of the teeth’s position. As a result, plaque can build up in this area, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Chronic Discomfort Because of TMJ Problem or Teeth Shifting
Misaligned teeth can put you at risk of having a misaligned bite. If teeth do not fit together, you may experience a TMJ issue. Your TMJ is the joint that allows the jaw to move freely. However, if your TMJ does not work properly, it can lead to chronic discomfort such as muscle aches, headaches, and the inability to widely open the mouth.
In addition, your teeth may also shift quickly because they do not fit together as they should. Naturally, teeth can shift over time; however, crooked teeth can lead to uneven enamel wear, forcing teeth to shift faster than normal.
Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
Chewing and speaking can be hard if you have crooked teeth. However, it is important to chew food properly to ensure proper digestion. Chewing can be quite uncomfortable when crooked teeth are combined with TMJ disorder or misaligned bite. In addition, crooked teeth may impact other people’s ability to speak clearly, negatively affecting their self-confidence.
Treatment Options
Although a lot of adults aren’t satisfied with how their smile looks and may be worried about the health effects, wearing traditional braces can be quite unappealing. Thankfully, those who want to improve their smile by straightening their teeth without wearing these braces can opt for clear aligners.
If your teeth are properly aligned, they harbor fewer germs since they can be cleaned easily. Good oral hygiene can reduce your risk of periodontal disease and cavities. Your gums can support your teeth properly. Also, you have a reduced risk of teeth breaking or chipping if your teeth fit properly together.