Straight teeth look good and come with health benefits
Did you know straight teeth are healthier? This is because they are easier to clean, and are better for your bite and your jaw. Being more difficult to clean, crooked teeth are more prone to gum disease and decay. Crooked teeth are also more likely to cause a misaligned bite and cracked teeth.
Crooked teeth v straight teeth
Crooked teeth can either cause or contribute to oral and overall health problems such as gum disease, misaligned bite, TMD and neck and head concerns.
Did you know gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss?
One in three adults around the world will lose a tooth because of gum disease. Dentists find this frustrating as gum disease is the easiest disease to prevent, and if prevention is no longer possible, it’s the easiest to manage.
Another important consideration is that gum disease is a chronic condition, so there’s no cure. Regular visits to the dentist can help to either prevent or manage gum disease.
Not only is gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss it has also been linked to:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
We’re not saying having straight teeth will prevent gum disease. What we’re saying is having straight teeth can help you maintain optimal oral health.
Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite
Crooked teeth affect your bite because they rub together preventing normal jaw alignment. This makes it difficult to chew and it causes tooth wear which will eventually cause your teeth to break. Having straight teeth can minimise tooth wear problems and —depending on your age and health —can prevent a misaligned bite.
Crooked teeth and TMD
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a variety of conditions which affect the jaw joints and muscles as well as facial nerves. One of the causes of TMD is an improper bite (how teeth fit together). Other factors which can cause TMD include arthritis, jaw dislocation and injury.
As crooked teeth can cause a misaligned bite, there is some evidence to suggest that those with straight teeth are far less likely to suffer from TMD.
Why you want straighter teeth
Straighter teeth are:
- Easier to brush and make flossing simple. Flossing is a good way to keep your gums healthy and remove plaque from those hard to reach places.
- Better for chewing, and food chewed better is beneficial for digestion.
- Easier to maintain. Cleaning your teeth twice a day is easier with straighter teeth and this means that further maintenance should only be a regular 6-monthly check-up.
Straighter teeth by Dental Boutique in Melbourne
Dental Boutique offers a range of teeth straightening options. From traditional braces through to discreet options such as lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign, we have options to suit you and your dental health needs.
If you are interested in straightening your teeth but don’t want metal, Invisalign could be the ideal solution for you. To find out more information about how Dental Boutique in Melbourne can help you get straighter teeth, please contact us today, or download our FREE Invisalign guide.