If you have crooked, overcrowded, or overlapping teeth, your dentist will likely ask you about treatments to straighten them. Though they may seem harmless, misaligned teeth could have detrimental effects on your oral health.
Depending on your unique dental needs, your dentist and orthodontist can work with you to find teeth straightening treatments that will enhance your smile. Dr. Wayne Sankey, an orthodontist in Flower Mound, TX, describes potential risks to your smile you may experience if you do not seek treatment for crooked teeth.
Oral Health Risks from Misaligned Teeth
Interferes with Your Oral Hygiene Practices
Natural bacteria in our mouths create a film of plaque over our teeth throughout the day. We practice oral hygiene to get rid of this plaque, which can harm our teeth in multiple ways if it is not removed promptly.
However, if your teeth overlap each other, it can be difficult to properly clean the entire surface of your teeth. Plaque can linger where your toothbrush cannot reach and eat away tooth enamel. This will leave your smile vulnerable to severe dental concerns like tooth decay and gum disease.
Straightening your smile can give you better access to the surface of your teeth so that it is easier to keep them clean. This will boost your oral health as well, lowering your risk of severe dental damage.
Hinders Your Oral Functions
If you have crooked teeth, you may notice an interference when performing typical oral functions. They can hinder speech, making it more difficult to be understood when speaking.
You may also have more trouble when eating, as overlapping or overcrowded teeth could make it harder for you to chew. Straightened teeth can relieve the added stress your teeth may experience and restore your oral capabilities.
Disrupts Your Smile’s Appearance
Some patients may not be satisfied with the appearance of their smile if their teeth are crooked. This could reduce self-esteem which can affect their confidence in other aspects of their lives.
Straightening teeth can enhance the look of your smile and renew your confidence. A straighter smile can also preserve its appearance, as crooked teeth can create pressure that could impact your teeth and jaw and alter their appearance over time.
Straighten Crooked Teeth in Flower Mound, TX
Flower Mound Orthodontics treats crooked teeth and other malocclusions for patients in Flower Mound, TX. Dr. Sankey offers Invisalign, braces, and other orthodontic services to patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 972.833.8212.