Oftentimes, the first thing we notice about a person is their smile. If you have crooked teeth, that thought might make you uncomfortable. Crooked teeth can be a source of insecurity, but they hurt more than just your self-esteem. Several health issues can be caused by misaligned or overlapping teeth.
Achieving a straighter smile with orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and your overall wellness. As an Invisalign® dentist, Dr. Michael J Young offers you a discreet and effective way to adjust your teeth. This treatment can correct problems like:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowding
- Crossbite
- Gaps
Here are five more reasons to start your journey to a straighter, healthier smile:
1. Prevent Gum Disease
Crooked, crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss which means you’re more likely to have plaque and tartar build-up along your gumline, which leads to gum disease.
Over time, the bacteria will eat away at your gingiva and create small pockets below the gumline. These pockets are an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish and cause more destruction to the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. If left untreated, you could end up losing your teeth. .
Having straight teeth reduces your risk of gum disease by making it easier for you to clean the front, back, and sides of your teeth.
2. Reduce Wear and Tear
Dental misalignment causes teeth in the upper and lower jaws to rub against each other. It can also contribute to bruxism, or teeth grinding. Both of these issues cause excessive wear of the enamel over time, and weak enamel can lead to problems like tooth decay, chips, cracks, and abscesses.
3. Decrease Risk of Heart Disease
As mentioned earlier, crooked teeth can lead to gum disease. If left untreated, the bacteria that has infected the gums can enter the bloodstream. These toxins form plaque in the blood vessels causing them to constrict and harden. The result is an increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
4. Avoid Head, Jaw, and Neck Pain
A result of crooked teeth is the excess strain on your jaw joints and muscles. People with crooked teeth may suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder which is characterized by the malfunction of the muscles, bones, and joints of the jaw. They may also suffer from bruxism. Both of which cause jaw, face, and neck pain, as well as headaches.
5. Improve Your Mood
A straighter smile not only increases your self-esteem, but it also has psychological benefits. People who are proud of their teeth are more likely to smile, and the act of smiling (even if it’s fake!) can boost your mood. Smiling releases endorphins in the body, so you actually feel happier. Contrastingly, people who feel insecure because of crooked teeth may shy away from smiling to hide their teeth. Consequently, they may feel down more often than those who aren’t embarrassed by their teeth.
Regardless of the condition of your teeth, we encourage everyone to smile as often as possible. You deserve to feel happy and your happiness may be contagious!
Correcting Crooked Teeth in Lafayette, LA
Dr. Young is a kind and experienced dental professional, dedicated to providing the Lafayette, LA and Delcambre, LA communities with the highest quality of care. He and the rest of our team at 23 Smiles make it our goal to develop a personal relationship with each of our patients so we can provide you with a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Call our office at 337-237-6453 or schedule an appointment to learn more about how our team can help you straighten your smile.
