Do you have noticeably crooked or misaligned teeth? If so, you’ve probably considered braces or another type of orthodontic treatment to help straighten them and improve your smile’s appearance.
What you might not know is that tooth alignment isn’t just a cosmetic concern. Crooked or crowded teeth can be difficult to clean and increase the risk of oral health problems.
At her San Jose, California, practice, Irma Francisco, DDS, regularly educates patients on the importance of proper tooth alignment. Read on to learn how misaligned teeth can affect your dental health and what to do about the problem.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways misaligned teeth can impact your oral health:
Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth tend to collect more plaque and tartar. These alignment issues often cause tight spaces that can be difficult to access with a toothbrush or dental floss. If there’s no good way to keep your teeth clean, the risk of cavities and inflammation increases.
A misaligned bite affects how your upper and lower teeth interact when you speak and chew. For example, one or more teeth may rub against each other and cause your enamel to wear down.
Poor alignment can also increase the risk of:
Correcting alignment issues with Invisalign® or another similar treatment can help prevent this type of damage and distribute your bite more evenly.
Your teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) work together to help you bite and chew. But misaligned teeth can place extra strain on these structures and increase the risk of jaw or facial pain. Some people also experience headaches or difficulty chewing.
If you have any of these symptoms, Dr. Francisco can determine whether an alignment issue is responsible.
Tooth alignment affects your ability to keep your gums free of plaque and bacteria, similar to how it can increase your risk of cavities. For instance, if your teeth are crowded, food particles may get trapped beneath your gumline, increasing the risk of inflammation, gum recession, and gum disease.
Proper alignment makes brushing and flossing easier, helping reduce these risks.
The good news is that a misaligned bite doesn’t have to be permanent. Orthodontic treatment can effectively address your concerns, making it easier to brush and floss and prevent enamel damage.
Get in touch to learn more about your treatment options. Contact us today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.
