When was the last time you smiled to show off your stunning (though perhaps crooked) teeth? If you feel insecure about your smile, don’t worry; you’re not alone. In fact, 57% of American adults cover their mouths when they laugh because of insecurity over their teeth.
Over 60% want to change something about their teeth, with “crookedness” cited as one of the top problems. If you’re unhappy with your smile, visit an orthodontist Eagan residents trust or treatment.
Not sure if you’re ready for a teeth check? Read on to discover ten reasons to visit your orthodontist today!
1. Improved Oral Health
Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, allowing you to maintain good oral health. Your brush may not reach every surface of a crooked tooth. You could leave bacteria and food particles on or between your teeth after brushing.
Bacteria, saliva, and food remnants could mix together to form plaque. Plaque is the tacky, clear substance that can harden and promote cavities. About 90% of American adults ages 20 and up have at least one cavity.
Choosing orthodontic treatment now can help you avoid cavities and other oral health issues later. Orthodontic treatment will straighten your teeth, making them easier to brush and floss.
Otherwise, tooth decay can cause infections and potentially lead to tooth loss. You may need a dental implant or other treatments to restore your smile. Orthodontic treatment now can help you avoid more time-consuming, costly treatments later.
2. Dodge Gum Disease
Remember, failing to thoroughly brush your crooked teeth could allow plaque to form. As the bacteria spreads, your risk of gum disease (gingivitis) could increase. Gingivitis, caused by a bacterial infection, is an inflammation of the gums.
Many people aren’t aware they have gum disease. Though you may not experience symptoms, common symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Swollen, red, tender gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Changes to your bite (malocclusion)
- Pain when chewing
- Partial dentures no longer fitting
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
Delaying treatment can lead to a more serious infection, periodontitis. Periodontitis can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung disease. Straightening your teeth will help you maintain good oral health, protecting your overall health.
3. Speak Clearly
Crooked teeth can affect your ability to speak. You may develop a lisp or struggle to pronounce certain words. These issues could make you feel self-conscious, especially in the workplace.
If you’ve noticed a change in your speech due to crooked teeth or jaw irregularities, visit your Eagan orthodontist. They can straighten your smile with traditional metal braces or clear aligners.
Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) are made from plastic. You can straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious about metal wires and brackets.
4. Chew Without Issue
You could struggle to bite down on hard or crunchy foods if your teeth aren’t straight. Avoiding certain foods could leave you without the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. If you’ve noticed a change in your bite, talk to your Eagan orthodontist.
Having aligned teeth will make it easier for you to chew. You can enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort.
5. Improved Digestion
Failing to thoroughly chew food will leave your digestive system with twice as much work. Stomach acid will need to break down these larger chunks. You could experience discomfort, gas, and other digestive symptoms.
You can straighten your teeth with orthodontic treatment. You may notice you no longer experience digestive discomfort.
6. Avoid Bruxism
Bite your teeth together. Do your top and bottom teeth rest together in perfect alignment? If not, you may begin grinding your teeth (bruxism).
Bruxism can cause your protective tooth enamel to break down. Once enamel is gone, it won’t grow back. Enamel protects teeth from bacteria, reducing your risk of tooth decay.
Bruxism can lead to painful symptoms, including:
- Damage to the inside of your cheeks
- Dull headaches
- Sleep disruptions
- Worn enamel
- Tooth pain/sensitivity
- Tired/tight jaw muscles
- Flat, loose, fractured, or chipped teeth
- Jaw soreness
Talk to your orthodontist if you’re experiencing these symptoms. They can complete a teeth check to look for jaw irregularities. Orthodontic treatment can put an end to your bruxism and protect your enamel.
7. Sleep Easy
Jaw irregularities and misaligned teeth can make it more difficult for you to sleep each night. Failing to get enough sleep can affect your ability to focus and function during the day. Beginning orthodontic treatment could put an end to your painful symptoms.
You’ll have an easier time sleeping each night. Getting enough rest can help you excel in your daily life.
8. Avoid Dental Damage
Do any of your teeth protrude at an awkward angle? You could knock that tooth out during a car accident or while playing. Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment could help you avoid dental damage.
If you damage or knock out a tooth, visit an emergency dentist right away. You may need a dental implant to restore your smile. Failing to replace a lost tooth can cause your teeth to shift, leading to more orthodontic issues.
9. Reduce Jaw Strain
Your jaw irregularities could indicate you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ can cause headaches and jaw strain.
Talk to your Eagan dentist to begin treatment. Aligned teeth can help you avoid jaw strain and discomfort.
10. Aligned Teeth Boost Confidence
Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment can boost your self-confidence. Feeling confident in social settings can encourage you to take positive risks.
For example, you may go after a promotion at work or ask someone out on a date. Restoring your self-confidence can improve your mood and quality of life. If you’re unhappy with your smile, don’t hesitate to begin treatment.
Visit an Orthodontist Eagan Residents Love
You don’t have to continue hiding your smile. Instead, visit an orthodontist Eagan residents trust right away. With their help, you can show off your beautiful, aligned teeth with renewed confidence.
Zirbel Orthodontics is committed to providing orthodontic care that creates beautiful, healthy smiles. We have over 250 years of combined experience helping patients discover their stunning new smiles.
We’ll customize our treatments based on your unique needs. Contact us to schedule your free consultation!
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