Crooked teeth can be both a cosmetic and oral health problem. It’s crucial that you get crooked teeth fixed in order to prevent further problems with your oral health in the future. Dr. Siddhi Patel of Park Dental, a dentist in Hilliard, OH, discusses the issues that come along with crooked teeth.
They’re Harder to Clean
Crooked teeth often create large gaps, but they also push teeth together in unnatural ways. This makes the space between your teeth tighter and it’s harder to get the floss in there to clean. Depending on how your crooked teeth are jumbled, there may be certain areas that you’re unable to reach with a toothbrush and floss. When this happens, it can lead to problems with tooth decay and gum disease.
They Diminish Self-Confidence
Everyone dreams of having a perfectly straight, white smile. Having crooked teeth can make you self-conscious of your smile. You may make attempts to hide it when you’re laughing, eating, or in a situation where pictures are being taken. Being comfortable with your smile is something everyone should be able to experience.
They Can Cause Problems With Speech or Chewing
One of the most common issues that crooked teeth cause is with speech. Certain words or sounds can be hard to pronounce because of the alignment of the teeth. This can also impact self-confidence and speaking in a public setting.
Depending on the way your teeth line up, you may also experience issues with chewing certain foods. You want to make sure that you have a healthy, balanced diet for both oral and overall health. If your teeth make it difficult to chew and digest certain foods, you may not be getting the nutrients you need in your diet.
They Come With Increased Wear and Tear
Misaligned teeth experience more wear and tear than teeth that are lined up properly. The pressure of your bite isn’t evenly distributed throughout your smile when your teeth are crooked. In extreme cases, you may end up chipping or breaking a tooth because of the uneven distribution of pressure. Restorative dentistry solutions can be needed.
With a misaligned bite, you’re also likely to run into problems with TMJ. This disorder is caused by things like a misaligned bite or teeth grinding. Pain is felt throughout the jaw and face because the joint and surrounding muscles aren’t working properly. Your jaw may lock up or pop and click when you need to use it or you may have trouble with opening and closing your jaw as well.
Treating Crooked Teeth at Your Hilliard, Ohio Dentist
At Park Dental, we have various solutions, including clear braces, to help you get a straighter smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online today.