WHY STRAIGHTEN TEETH

Periodontitis –

A bacterial infection causes periodontitis.  Bacterial infections are caused by inadequate oral hygiene.  As crooked teeth are difficult to clean effectively, debris, plaque, and bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.  In addition to being easier to clean, straight teeth are at a lower risk of developing gum disease.

Injuries to the teeth –

Straight teeth create a strong wall, which reduces the likelihood of injuries.  Teeth with crooked lines are weaker and often protrude, so they’re more likely to get hurt.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) –

It has been shown that crooked teeth are associated with improper jaw alignment, which can result in a painful condition known as TMJ.  This debilitating condition is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain, lockjaw, and grinding of the teeth among other symptoms.

Uneven wear –

As a result of crooked teeth, some of the teeth work harder than others when biting and chewing.  Teeth that are straight share the workload evenly, which reduces the risk of injury and improves their aesthetic appeal.

In order to straighten teeth, either orthodontic braces or customized aligning trays can be used.  In most cases, orthodontic braces are attached to the teeth for a specific period of time.  Brackets and archwires are tightened by the orthodontist on a regular basis and removed after treatment is complete.  For most types of malocclusion, fixed braces can be placed on either the front or back side of the teeth.

Aligning trays are fully removable and are used in situations where a malocclusion is not as severe and teeth need to move a shorter distance.  For the duration of the treatment, these trays are replaced every few weeks, and they have proven to be equally effective.

Please consult with your orthodontist if you have any questions regarding orthodontics and straightening your teeth.