Here at Weybridge Orthodontics in Surrey, we have many years of experience and expertise in treating patients who have misaligned teeth. If your teeth are overcrowded, protruding or your bite isn’t quite right; you’ll know that it’s easy for this to affect your confidence. A lack of confidence with regard to your smile can have an impact in several areas of your life, from socialising to your career.
If you’re thinking of having orthodontic treatment to correct the alignment of your teeth, you might only have considered the aesthetic benefits. While it does feel great to have the teeth you’ve always wanted, getting braces or aligners can also have a positive impact on your health. What are the potential issues caused by misaligned teeth? Read on to find out why orthodontics in Weybridge is about a lot more than just making you look good.
Wearing down of gum tissue
The role of the gums is to protect the health and lifespan of the teeth, so it’s really important that they are kept healthy. If your teeth are misaligned, you may be a greater risk of gum disease and gum recession – both of which can lead to tooth loss. If your teeth don’t line up in the way that they should, the pressure of your bite can be uneven; placing a strain on the gums and alveolar bone. The result of this can be that the gums become red and irritated and subject to recession.
Chewing issues
If you have poorly aligned teeth, you may find it harder to chew your food properly. If the bite is uneven, it may be difficult to break the food down sufficiently before swallowing. The result of this can be issues with the stomach, including bloating and gas and sometimes even more serious complications.
Hard to clean
People who have overcrowded or crooked teeth often find it much more difficult to clean and floss. The position of some of the teeth may mean that some parts cannot be cleaned at all, or insufficiently at best. This means that if you don’t get orthodontic treatment to correct your alignment, you have a much greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Pain
Do you often suffer from headaches or migraines? Your teeth could be to blame. When the teeth are misaligned and your bite isn’t quite right, the jaw may be affected by the strain. When the temporomandibular joint is under pressure, the result can be ear pain, headaches and pain in the jaw and face.
Sensitivity
If your bite is uneven, then some of your teeth will be under increased pressure in comparison to others. This can cause the enamel to be worn away, and the tooth to become exposed. The result of this is heightened sensitivity to hot and cold, which can have a negative effect on your diet and eating habits.
It’s not always obvious when a person’s teeth are misaligned. If you’re in any doubt, contact us for an assessment so you can make the best choice in terms of potential treatment.