We know most people want a straighter smile simply because it looks more attractive, but often there can be quite a few health benefits in straightening up your teeth, particularly if they are very crooked or overlapping, or if you have problems with the way they bite together.
How Crooked Teeth Affect Your Dental Health
If your teeth are significantly crooked then you will already know how difficult it is to keep them thoroughly clean. Flossing can become a real chore as there is nothing more frustrating than getting dental floss stuck in between your teeth. When teeth do overlap it makes it much more difficult to reach all the tooth surfaces with your toothbrush, increasing the likelihood of a build-up of plaque and tartar. As a result your risk of gum disease and tooth decay is increased, no matter how hard you try to keep your teeth clean and fresh.
Having significant problems with your bite or occlusion can also create problems for your teeth and your jaw joints, called your temporomandibular joints. Biting down on one or more teeth before others places these teeth under far more stress than being able to bite down on all your teeth at the same time which helps spread the forces created during chewing. This can also place additional stress on your jaw joints, increasing your risk of developing a condition called TMD or temporomandibular disorder that can cause your jaw joints to become sore and inflamed and which may even lead to chronic headaches and facial pain. Correcting your occlusion can help treat these problems.
A nice straight smile where your teeth meet together evenly makes it easier to eat properly. It is important to chew your food before swallowing as this helps to start the process of digestion, enabling your body to obtain more essential nutrients which in turn can lead to better general health.
Planning Orthodontic Treatment to Correct These Problems
When you come to see our dentist in Southampton to find out more about teeth straightening, we can thoroughly assess your teeth to identify any problems being caused to your dental health. This allows us to create your personalised treatment plan using the most appropriate orthodontic system. Here at Smilemakers we have a great selection of braces that can be either fixed or removable so you can be sure of getting the best possible treatment.
Every single tooth movement is precisely planned by our Southampton dentist. This is essential for ensuring that you get the straighter smile you desire, but orthodontics can also be used to create a more balanced facial profile. Your teeth provide support for your cheeks and lips so wearing a brace could help improve your overall appearance. Provided you follow our instructions, the results of teeth straightening should be long-lasting and orthodontics has never been more comfortable due to the use of advanced technologies.
If you are interested in improving your smile with braces then please contact Smilemakers to book a consultation with our dentist in Southampton. This is your chance to find out much more about orthodontics, as well as which braces could help you. Call us on 02380 442626 or if you prefer you can contact us through our website at www.smilemakers.co.uk.
