Research shows that very few people in the world have perfectly straight teeth. This means that almost everyone has some type of misalignment. While many people learn to live with- and even love- their misalignment, it can have an impact on oral health. When your oral health is impacted, your overall health is as well.
Poor oral health impacts more than just your teeth and gums- it can affect your entire body. Research has linked poor oral health to a variety of health conditions, including:
Most of these conditions have been linked to bacteria found in the mouth. Proper oral hygiene practices and procedures such as tooth straightening can help keep this bacteria under control.
Misaligned teeth make it difficult to engage in a variety of activities including eating and speaking. Teeth straightening procedures are designed to pull or push teeth into their appropriate position in the jaw.
There are two common methods for teeth straightening:
Orthodontists are specially trained to oversee these treatments. They will supervise your treatment and when necessary, make adjustments to your treatment plan.
On the other hand, if you have a skeletal/jaw misalignment, the above methods will not be sufficient. You will also need jaw surgery. This is extensive and requires the supervision of an oral surgeon.
There are several health benefits of teeth straightening, including:
When teeth are crowded or crooked, it can be difficult to get into the crevices between them. This allows bacteria and plaque to build up, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
However, teeth straightening procedures pull/push teeth into their appropriate position, which allows you to floss between teeth. This prevents bacteria and plaque buildup, which leads to improved oral hygiene.
When your teeth are misaligned, they do not come together properly. This can make it difficult to chew healthy foods, which means most people eat unhealthy, processed foods instead. These are harder for your body to digest, and you’re not getting the nutrients you need to support your overall health.
TMJ disorder is a condition involving the temporomandibular joints on either side of the jaw. These joints connect the jaw to the skull. When your teeth are misaligned, they do not fit together properly, which can put excessive stress on these joints, causing them to be off balance. This results in TMJ disorder, or TMD.
While nearly everyone has some type of misalignment and many people learn to embrace it, there is a risk of oral and overall health issues- even with mild cases. Therefore, if you have any type of misalignment, treatment is critical. Schedule your orthodontic consultation today at Front Street, Toronto or Lawrence Ave. Toronto to learn more about your options.
If you have questions or concerns about dental misalignments, your orthodontist can address those at any time. Below are some commonly asked questions about this issue:
Research shows that there is a lot of information claiming that it’s possible to straighten your teeth at home without braces. However, you should avoid these DIY methods, as they could damage your teeth, gums, or jawbone. If your teeth are only slightly misaligned, your dentist may recommend a retainer instead of braces or if your teeth are overcrowded, extracting some teeth may help.
Yes, when done properly, the results from teeth straightening procedures will last a lifetime. However, you may need to wear a retainer for a while until your jawbone has completely healed around the teeth.
If you don’t get braces for crooked teeth, you could experience complications such as gum disease, tooth loss, and more.
No, your teeth will not straighten out naturally. You will need to consider orthodontic treatment to ensure the best outcome.
The cheapest way to straighten teeth is with self-directed at-home aligners. However, results are better with orthodontist-directed treatment. Most dental insurance providers will cover a portion of professional teeth straightening, but may not cover in-home options.
