Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth: Why Alignment Matters

There is no doubt that a bright smile with straight teeth gives a good first impression. However, making sure that all of your teeth are in place and fit together when you close your mouth is also important for good health. Both adults and children benefit from properly aligned teeth.

The doctors at Bucktown Wicker Park Dental understand that orthodontic treatment can be long and uncomfortable. That’s why we use Invisalign® for our Chicago-area patients, straightening teeth with aligners that no one can see. You can get you the smile you’ve always dreamed of without metal braces and ensure crooked teeth aren’t adversely affecting your health.

Periodontal disease

Straight teeth ensure a healthier mouth and help you avoid oral health problems. Your mouth is full of bacteria all of the time. Regular brushing and flossing keep this bacteria at bay. However, misaligned teeth can result in a less-than-clean mouth even if you do practice good oral hygiene every day.

The National Institutes of Health have reported that almost half of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds teeth becomes inflamed. When your teeth aren’t straight or in the right place, it’s much harder to clean your teeth and gums properly. Having straight teeth is one way to safeguard against gum disease.

Overall health

Researchers have discovered links between poor oral health and serious diseases. Again, your mouth is filled with bacteria, so it makes sense that your oral health directly impacts our overall health. Some conditions linked to insufficient oral health are:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Endocarditis
• Birth complications for pregnant women
• Pneumonia
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease

Crowded teeth create pockets of bacteria that you can’t get to with floss or a toothbrush. By straightening your teeth, you create the proper space between each tooth, allowing you to brush and floss more easily to manage mouth bacteria. Straight teeth also prevent food particles from getting stuck in places you can’t quite get to.

Properly aligned teeth are effective for less wear and tear. And every time you bite down with misaligned teeth, you’re adding pressure on your jaw that can lead to neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and even loose teeth.

Treating alignment issues

Problems associated with misaligned teeth can become serious. Correcting alignment issues with a teeth-straightening treatment such as Invisalign can help you reap the benefits for the rest of your life, avoiding future health problems.

A visit to Bucktown Wicker Park Dental is the first step toward getting a straight and healthy smile. Call us today to begin treatment, or send us a message via this website.