How Can an Orthodontist Improve My Oral Health?

If patients are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile due to crooked teeth, they can schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to straighten teeth. An exam can help you determine your aesthetic goals and which treatment can help you achieve your ideal smile.

Braces and other orthodontic tools can provide more than just cosmetic benefits for your teeth. Dr. Wayne Sankey, an orthodontist in Flower Mound, TX, describes how orthodontics can improve your overall oral health.

orthodontics improve oral health in Flower Mound Texas

Orthodontic Treatment and Oral Health Enhancement

Simplify Oral Hygiene Practices

If your teeth overlap or are misaligned, it can be difficult to keep them clean. Normal teeth brushing and flossing remove plaque that develops throughout your day due to bacteria in your mouth. If this is not removed properly or promptly, it can cause tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues.

Straightening teeth with orthodontics will allow you better access to brush and floss your teeth. You will be able to clean more of your teeth through your regular habits which will reduce your risk of dental concerns that could require expensive and extensive repair.

Avoid Abnormal Enamel Deterioration

A crooked or misaligned bite can mean your teeth are suffering more wear and tear than they should. If your teeth are grinding or grating at an above-average rate, you could be at a greater risk of tooth cracks or chips, which can be painful and require restorative dental work to amend.

This added pressure can also wear down the outer layer of your tooth, the enamel, which can expose the nerve and cause uncomfortable symptoms like tooth sensitivity. Straightening teeth and aligning your bite with Invisalign, braces, or other orthodontic appliances can avoid this issue.

Reduce TMJ Symptoms

Teeth grinding or clenching is called bruxism and can be a cause for temporomandibular jaw disorders, or TMJ. If you have a sore jaw or headaches, this could be due to pressure on your jaw from bite misalignment.

Amending malocclusions with orthodontics can relieve this pressure and alleviate painful symptoms stemming from TMJ. Straightening teeth can improve the appearance of your smile while also restoring your oral health.

Visit an Orthodontist in Flower Mound, TX Today

Flower Mound Orthodontics can fix crooked teeth, jaw misalignments, and more in patients of all ages. Dr. Sankey is an orthodontist offering Invisalign, braces, and other orthodontic appliances for patients in Flower Mound, TX. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 972.833.8212.