Many people think that crooked teeth are just a cosmetic issue. While it is something to be taken care of with cosmetic dentistry in Strongsville, OH, it isn’t only a cosmetic issue. Dr. Leah Butler of Butler Family Dentistry explains how crooked teeth impact your oral health and why you should get them straightened.
The Issues With Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth do start as a cosmetic issue. The teeth can become either overcrowded or have large gaps in between. This can make you want to hide your smile. When you’re out socializing, you want to be able to laugh freely and smile opening. With crooked teeth, you may be spending too much of your time hiding your smile instead of enjoying the moment.
But crooked teeth come with a lot of other problems as well. For instance, crooked teeth make it hard for them to get cleaned properly. There are a lot of tight spaces and areas that are more difficult to reach. Traditional brushing and flossing techniques may not be able to get into these spaces. Plaque and tartar can build up, causing problems with tooth decay and other issues.
When they’re in proper alignment, your teeth are crucial to making sure the pressure of your bite is distributed evenly. This doesn’t happen with crooked teeth. Because the pressure is uneven, certain teeth are taking on more pressure than others. You may experience these teeth experiencing more wear and tear or even cracking or breaking.
An uneven bite is one of the main causes of TMJ disorders, too. Bite stability is crucial to comfortable, normal jaw motion. Clenching and teeth grinding can put strain on the muscles in your jaw and cause problems. An uneven bite can impact the way the jaw joint is used, making it more likely that pain and discomfort will develop.
Treating Crooked Teeth
One of the most common options used to treat crooked teeth is Invisalign. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your smile. The plastic is designed to be thin enough to be comfortable wearing it every day, but also durable enough to withstand daily use. Treatment with Invisalign typically lasts from around 6-18 months. The sets of aligners are changed about every two weeks.
Many people enjoy Invisalign because it’s a subtle option to straighten your smile. Because they’re custom-fit to your smile, it can be hard for people to notice them unless they’re specifically looking for them. It’s an ideal option particularly for adults that are looking for a discreet way to get a straighter smile.
Invisalign is designed to treat a variety of mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Dr. Butler will have a cosmetic consultation with you. She’ll do a thorough examination of your smile and talk to you about your cosmetic goals and budget. This will determine whether Invisalign is right for you, or she’ll help to refer you to a local orthodontist for further evaluation.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Strongsville, Ohio
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