Can Crooked Teeth Create Risk For Your Oral Health?
Posted on 8/18/2023 by Cantella Dental |
 Unsurprisingly, many people would prefer to have straight teeth over crooked teeth. But according to a Harris poll conducted in collaboration with Invisalign®, having a straight smile can really improve people’s daily lives. The survey collected answers from 2,000 individuals over the age of 18 on how a straight smile can positively improve their life. Consider a few of the most notable highlights below:
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92 percent of adults who had their teeth straightened cite that having a straight smile was important to their confidence.
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78 percent agree that teeth straightening is one of the most important treatments they’ve ever done for themselves.
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78 percent also noted that straightening their teeth gave them the confidence to accomplish something they couldn’t do before they had straight teeth |
It goes to show that straighter teeth has its social benefits. But did you know that Invisalign treatment is not purely cosmetic? The benefits of straighter teeth have serious long-term implications that many dentists believe all patients should consider.
A Boost In Mental Health
While confidence is essential to your daily life, it has significant implications for other aspects of your life as well. According to the same Harris poll, U.S. adults were more likely to be associated with other positive attributes, including:
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Happiness (63 percent)
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Attractiveness (44 percent)
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Success (43 percent)
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Intelligence (40 percent) |
When others perceive you in a more positive light, it can truly do some good for your mental health. In contrast, crooked teeth can actually make it more difficult to smile, therefore increasing the likelihood that you’ll hide your true feelings to others and be less social.
Preventing Jaw Pain and Headaches
Crooked teeth are more likely to rub against each other as you chew. While this issue alone is enough to straighten teeth (to prevent enamel erosion), protruding upper and lower teeth are also likely to misalign your bite. Uneven bites will only put additional force on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in chronic jaw pain, popping, clicking, increased difficulty chewing and even lockjaw.
But the side effects of a misaligned bite don’t end there. As you continue to wear down your TMJ, you also increase your risk of developing chronic migraines, earaches and upper back, shoulder and neck pain. Chronic pain has numerous implications for your daily life and can lead to sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, higher stress, and a lower quality of life overall.
Higher Risk Of Oral Infections And Systematic Disease
Crooked teeth are generally more difficult to clean compared to straight teeth. If plaque is left on teeth and gums for too long, your risk of an oral infection goes up substantially. According to the American Dental Association, oral infections are associated with a higher risk of many systemic diseases, including:
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Diabetes
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Pneumonia
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Preterm birth |
How Can Invisalign Improve Your Smile?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligners designed to gently shift crooked teeth into a straighter position. Each pair is worn for a set period of time, then replaced with the next pair in the series. Not only can Invisalign treatment improve your smile’s appearance, but the way your bite comes together. An improved bite helps you avoid the risk of developing TMJ disorder and experiencing the symptoms later in life.
The same applies for oral care. With straighter teeth, there are fewer pockets and surfaces for plaque to collect on. That means your risk for oral infections (periodontal disease or otherwise) are less likely to develop.
Are you ready to address your crooked smile and stay proactive against dental disease? Contact a dentist in New Orleans today to get started! |
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