What Could Happen If You Don't Straighten Your Teeth?
If your teeth are crooked and misaligned, your dentist will likely recommend that you have them straightened with braces or another type of orthodontic device. Since getting braces can be costly and is associated with some discomfort, you might be tempted to say "no" to this recommended treatment. But that would not be wise! Your dentist is not just recommending tooth straightening to pad his or her pockets, and aesthetics are far from the only reason to aim for a straight smile. Here's a look at three things that can happen if you don't straighten your teeth.
Increased Tooth Decay
When your teeth are not straight, certain parts of them may be hard or impossible to reach with a toothbrush to clean properly. One tooth leaning against another in an abnormal way can also put stress on that tooth's enamel, causing it to become thinner and more prone to decay. If tooth decay is caught early, you can have the cavity filled. But the problem when your teeth are crooked is that the filling does not address the underlying issue: your crooked teeth are hard to keep clean and become a harboring point for the bacteria that will keep causing additional decay.
Higher Risk of Gum Disease
It's not always easy to floss between misaligned teeth. Plus, teeth that are not aligned in the jaw properly may place excess pressure on certain areas of the gums. These problems, when combined, can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Gum disease starts off with just minor redness and irritation in the gums, but it can progress rather quickly to the point of affecting the ligaments that anchor your teeth into your jaw bone. Once this happens, loose and missing teeth are just around the corner.
Jaw Pain
An abnormal bite and misaligned teeth can place excessive pressure on your jawbone. The act of chewing may also strain certain muscles, leading to jaw pain. A lot of people who suffer from jaw pain can trace their pain back, at least in part, to misaligned teeth and an abnormal bite. While treatments like pain relievers and jaw exercises can keep symptoms at bay, your jaw pain may never fully go away until you have your teeth straightened.
If your dentist recommends that you get braces, it is a wise idea to do so. You're not just making your smile look better—you're protecting your dental health. Contact a dentist, such as Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD, for more information.