Why Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

Statistics show that only 35% of Americans are born with straight teeth. And while achieving a perfect smile is the number one reason why people go to an orthodontist, orthodontic treatment can also help you preserve the health of your teeth for longer.

Crooked teeth are associated with cavities, gum disease, and even jaw pain.

Ana Chester, DDS, and Amy Caicco, DDS at Chester Family Dentistry in Warren, Ohio, can help you understand why a misaligned bite harms your dental health and how orthodontic treatment, including proper alignment, improves your overall quality of life. Here are some of the main things to consider.

Crooked teeth wear down quickly 

Crooked teeth often rub against other teeth in the surrounding areas, causing enamel damage and increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Another common cause of tooth loss in misaligned teeth is uneven pressure when chewing. If you have a straight smile, all of your teeth apply the same amount of pressure when you chew. However, if you have a misaligned bite, some of your teeth will work harder and wear down faster because pressure doesn’t get evenly distributed. 

A misaligned bite may be the cause of your jaw pain

On the surface, it may seem like a few misaligned teeth have nothing to do with jaw pain, discomfort, and popping noises each time you chew. But crooked teeth are one of the biggest causes of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Misaligned teeth put extra pressure on your temporomandibular joint, which can lead to inflammation and pain. The good news is that once you get your teeth straightened, the pain and discomfort that comes with TMD disappears. 

Malocclusion increases your risk for periodontal disease 

When your teeth rub against each other or sit awkwardly in your mouth, you end up with a lot of hard to reach surfaces. This makes flossing and brushing more difficult. 

Also, misaligned teeth aren’t wrapped as tightly by gum tissue, leaving more space for plaque to build up.

Plaque accumulation increases your risk for cavities, local inflammation, and gum disease. 

Straight teeth at any age 

As long as you don’t have any jaw bone loss, you can fix your crooked teeth at any age without metal braces.

At Chester Family Dentistry in Warren, Ohio we use transparent and custom-made plastic aligners that you can remove when you eat or drink, so you don’t have to follow a special diet or wear a noticeable orthodontic device. 

If you want to straighten your teeth, or if you simply want to prevent future complications associated with crooked teeth, call us to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online to meet with our team for expert advice and guidance.