Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No

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:

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.

You Might Also Enjoy...

I Need Dentures: What Can I Expect Once I Have Them?

I Need Dentures: What Can I Expect Once I Have Them?

If you've lost many teeth and are getting dentures for the first time, you need to be prepared for the process of molding and fitting them. You’ll also need to know what to expect once they’re done, so read on to learn the process.
Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Over time, your teeth can dull down from the daily effects of living. It’s your choice to brighten your smile up to several shades brighter than their natural whitest. Choose dental office teeth whitening when your smile has lost its whiteness.
Can Invisalign® Correct My Underbite?

Can Invisalign® Correct My Underbite?

Underbites give bulldogs their classic jutted jaw, but it’s not a look most humans want. If your lower jaw sticks out farther than your upper jaw, you have an underbite. Here’s how to correct it.
How Veneers Work to Give You a Brighter Smile

How Veneers Work to Give You a Brighter Smile

Embarrassed by stained teeth? You’ve probably considered teeth whitening treatments, but veneers may provide a longer-lasting solution. Read on to learn more about how veneers give you a dazzling smile.
Can Invisalign® Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Can Invisalign® Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Invisalign® is for people who want to fix their teeth on the down low, not for people with a sleep disorder, right? Wrong. Read on to learn how the industry’s most popular orthodontic treatment can actually help with sleep apnea.