Importance of Straight Teeth – Different Problems They Can Solve

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), straight teeth can improve your mouth, body, and mind. The health of your teeth and gums is determined by whether your teeth are straight or not. The teeth and gums will be more susceptible to harmful bacteria if the teeth are not straight. 

Here are some problems that straight teeth can solve. 

• Malocclusion 

Malocclusion refers to the issues pertaining to the alignment of the teeth and the jaw. When your teeth are not lined up properly, you will have bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or a misplaced midline. 

Malocclusion will affect the way you bite or chew on food. In certain cases, it will even cause speech impediments. All these issues can be addressed by straightening the teeth. 

• Gum Diseases and Infections

When the teeth are widely spaced or crowded, the gums will get inflamed and red. It will lead to periodontal diseases and infections. 

Straightening the teeth will help the gums fit more securely around the teeth. Thus, it will help protect against gum diseases. 

• Dental Cavities

Crowded or crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. This can lead to plaque build-up and tartar. It may eventually cause tooth decay.

Straight teeth reduce the possibility of tooth decay and dental cavities.

• Dental Erosion

Crowded teeth can rub against each other and lead to inefficient chewing function. This can also cause undue wear and tear of the tooth enamel and the teeth. 

• Teeth Grinding 

When the teeth are not aligned properly, it may cause you to grind them. This is also known as bruxism, and it often happens when you are asleep. The grinding of teeth can cause your jaw and head to hurt. It can also lead to temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder. It involves jaw popping and locking. 

Teeth grinding may also cause tiny fractures in the teeth, which leaves them prone to breakage, decay, or tooth sensitivity. 

If you have crooked teeth, you can avoid all these complications by getting your teeth straightened. 

2 Ways to Straighten Teeth

Two primary teeth straightening treatment options include: 

• Braces

These are the most common type of orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. Different types of braces include metal braces, lingual braces, or ceramic braces. They work by exerting pressure on the teeth in a specific direction. Over time, the crooked teeth will move into their proper position and become straight. Braces are used to treat mild to severe cases. 

• Aligners

Clear aligners are an invisible alternative for teeth straightening. They are plastic trays that you have to wear over your teeth. They are easily removable, allowing you to eat whatever you want and making it easier to clean the teeth. They put gentle force on the teeth and move them into a straighter position. It is crucial to wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours each day; otherwise, the treatment will not work. 

It won’t be a stretch to say that straight teeth can help you lead a better and healthier lifestyle. If you have crooked teeth and need some guidance on how to straighten them, consult with an orthodontist. 

Author Bio:

Creating perfect smiles is what Dr Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Orthodontics, he is busy writing engaging articles about everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.