If you have misaligned teeth, you’re probably tired of your dentist telling you to visit an orthodontist in Boca Raton. If your misalignment isn’t so severe, you may think there’s no need for braces or Invisalign®—but crooked, overcrowded, or shifted teeth are much more than an aesthetical problem: they can affect oral health for several years.
Crooked teeth are harder to clean, making your smile more prone to bacterial plaque accumulation. Over time, without regular dental visits, you may develop dangerous infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. Besides this, there are several other downsides of malocclusion, and here we’ll cover them in detail.
Beyond a Hollywood Look: The Health Importance of a Straighter Smile
Adults with misaligned teeth often don’t feel a need to get their smile corrected. After all, if they have lived so long with their crooked teeth and don’t mind it, what’s the need for uncomfortable orthodontic appliances like braces?
However, teeth are always moving, and a slight misalignment can progressively become more severe. Over time, the bite of your mouth may be affected, resulting in frequent headaches, TMJ disorders, or difficulty with speaking or chewing food.
Orthodontic treatments help avoid all of these oral health problems caused by misaligned teeth. To help you understand this better, here are some of them:
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Symmetrical teeth aren’t only aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also easier to clean. When your teeth overlap, your toothbrush won’t reach all of its surfaces, increasing the chances of accumulating plaque.
This sticky substance is made up of bacteria that consume leftover food debris and release acids, which can harm your enamel and gums. Over time, problems such as dental decay and gingivitis may develop.
Jaw Joint Problems
Malocclusions can lead to several joint problems. Common symptoms include clicking or popping in your jaw joint, pain, and tenderness. Earaches, headaches, and painful chewing are more indicators that your misaligned bite is causing a temporomandibular joint disorder.
In severe cases, your jaw might become locked, leaving you unable to move it at all. This could require surgical intervention to restore its functionality.
Speech, Mastication, and Breathing Problems
Misshapen teeth not only make it harder to eat but may also lead to speech impairments. It can give you a lisp, making it harder to speak with comfort.
Additionally, if your teeth interfere when you close your mouth, you could lead to mouth breathing and long-face syndrome in children.
Chipped Teeth and Restorations
Misaligned teeth can also cause the opposite teeth to chip or crack. This is especially common when crooked or shifted teeth hit dental restorations like veneers, fillings, or crowns.
Over time, your dental restorations may chip and dislodge.
Achieve a Straighter and Healthier Smile with an Orthodontist in Boca Raton
The decision to address your misaligned teeth is personal and undisputable—but understanding the consequences of forgoing treatment beforehand is key. While misaligned teeth may not cause trouble in some cases, in others, they can be the triggering factors that damage your oral health.
Here at Great Boca Smiles, we want you to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. For that reason, we offer Invisalign, a more discreet and natural-looking option for achieving a straighter smile. If you’re interested, contact us today to learn more!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
