Why Listen to Your Dentist's Advice About Getting Your Teeth Straightened
Posted on: 12 July 2017
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If your dentist has noted that your teeth need straightening, it's not good to overlook his or her advice. You may not look forward to the idea of getting braces or wearing an aligner, but having straight teeth is important for more than just your appearance. Note why you want to listen to your dentist's advice about getting your teeth straightened, and at least consult with an orthodontist about your options for having this done.
Crowded teeth
Persons with severely misaligned and crowded teeth may suffer more often from gum disease, as the gums may tend to recede when the teeth are crowded and pushed together. It may also be more difficult to clean food particles and other debris from between teeth when they're too close together, as you cannot get floss or the ends of a toothbrush into those areas. Even mouthwash and other rinses may not be able to wash away food debris and germs when teeth are pushing up against each other, leading to eventual gum disease.
Gaps between teeth
Gaps between teeth can mean that those teeth have no support from each other. They can then continue to move out of place and even come loose over time. Gaps may also allow teeth to dry out, and this can be damaging to your oral health, as a dry mouth holds more bacteria along the surface of teeth and gums. This can easily lead to tooth decay, bad breath and other such problems with your oral hygiene.
Jaw support and headaches
The upper and lower parts of the jaw rest on each other for support, even when you're lying down. If the jaw isn't getting proper support from your crooked teeth, you may actually suffer from chronic headaches. Unfortunately, many people don't associate headaches with crooked teeth, so you may suffer for years with this discomfort or waste quite a bit of money trying to pinpoint the root cause, when straightening the teeth can be all that's needed for relief.
Cost of long-term dental health
If it's been recommended that you get your teeth straightened, you may be worried about the cost, but compare this to the long-term cost of dental care that may be needed if your crooked teeth lead to gum disease, cuts inside the mouth and gums, loose teeth and other such concerns. Getting braces or an aligner now can be the most cost-effective choice, as compared to those long-term expenses you may face down the road.