Improving teeth alignment with orthodontics provides patients with many benefits, like improving their ability to properly clean their teeth, which protects them against common oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontics can also straighten the patient’s smile, improving its aesthetics.
Common teeth alignment issues include: Overbites, crossbites, underbites, and overjets.
Oral appliances, like braces and clear aligners, are often used to improve the alignment of teeth. Treatment times can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months, depending on the specific issues affecting the patient’s teeth and jaw.
Here are a few benefits that patients can gain from treatment.
Food particles and other debris are more likely to get stuck on poorly aligned teeth that overlap each other. Such teeth are also harder to clean because the bristles of a toothbrush or dental floss may not be able to get into these spaces.
As a result, plaque and tartar build up in these hard-to-reach areas created by misaligned teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay damages teeth structures, while gum disease weakens bone structures in the mouth, leading to teeth becoming loose and falling out if left unaddressed. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also get into the lungs or bloodstream, leading to a host of other issues, like premature births, respiratory issues, and heart disease.
People with misaligned teeth are more likely to develop problems with their temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These are the sliding, hinge-like joints that connect the upper and lower parts of the skull. TMJ issues often lead to symptoms like headaches, pain, and discomfort. Fixing poorly aligned teeth can help alleviate TMJ issues because it reduces the pressure and tension being placed on the TMJs.
Feeling good about the way their teeth look gives people a confidence boost. It can be impossible to have an aesthetically pleasing smile with crooked teeth, however, regardless of how white or healthy the teeth are.
People with misaligned teeth often find themselves hiding their smiles during interactions to avoid being judged because of the condition of their teeth. Orthodontic treatment allows such people to go back to proudly displaying their smiles.
Poorly aligned teeth can lead to teeth structures being damaged by the stress created. This is partly due to the person’s upper and lower sets of teeth not coming together properly when the mouth is closed. As a result, some teeth are exposed to stress when the mouth is closed, which can lead to damaged enamel over time. Teeth can also be damaged as they try to erupt if there is not enough space on the jaw due to misalignment.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Troy, MI
Not happy with the alignment of your teeth? Our dentist can help. Call or visit our Troy clinic to learn more about orthodontics.
Request an appointment or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at 248-260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.
In recent years, clear aligners have become more popular due to their benefits. Many people choose aligners because they are comfortable and removable. Others also appreciate that aligners offer a discreet way to straighten teeth. The appliances can effectively move your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position. Read on to find out more about…
There are many advantages of using clear aligners, but some patients might mistakenly believe these are hard to care for. Not caring for them correctly might result in embarrassment about the mouth. It could happen when the bacteria buildup or the aligners become discolored. The good news is there is no need for shame during…
It takes dedication to wear clear aligners often enough, but patients need to know what to do afterward. However, without the right after-treatment care, the teeth might begin to shift. That undoes the work of the clear aligners. That means the patient will need to have a retainer after the aligners come off.A retainer can…
Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple ones, you may be thinking about getting dental implants. Implants are popular due to multiple reasons, including their functionality. However, getting implants is not a quick and easy process. Before jumping in, you should research what it entails and know what to expect.Implants have numerous advantages over…
For many people, dental implants can be a permanent solution for dealing with lost or damaged teeth. This type of treatment is designed to last a lifetime. Once it is complete and healed, patients can enjoy a more beautiful smile without having to worry about any dietary changes, difficult home care, or unnatural-looking teeth.Dental implants…