Posted on: 22 January 2018
Teeth are the most visible part of a person's smile. That is why any blemishes with the colour, structure or arrangement of teeth can affect the appearance of one's smile. Misaligned teeth are a common cause of crooked smiles. Many people seeking treatment for this dental problem think it is simply a cosmetic issue, but nothing could be further from the truth. If left untreated, misalignment of the teeth can lower the patient's confidence and self-esteem, but also cause a number of serious oral health problems. These include:
What happens when movable metal components of your car constantly rub against each other due to poor lubrication? They will wear and tear faster than expected. This is pretty much the same with misshapen teeth — they will rub off against each other more frequently than they should, and this will lead to faster deterioration of the enamel — the hard, outer layer of the teeth. This dental problem is known as tooth or enamel erosion. Enamel erosion cannot be reversed, but the good news is that it can be prevented. Treating misaligned teeth early is a good way to prevent premature wear of your tooth enamel.
Ideally, the upper teeth should touch slightly outside the lower teeth when one is biting down. When the top and bottom teeth are not aligned properly, biting problems are bound to arise. Poor bites can be categorised into two major groups: overbites and underbites. An overbite, which is the more common of the two, happens when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth. An underbite, on the other hand, occurs when the bottom teeth are bulging over the top teeth.
Because misaligned teeth can make it difficult to clean certain areas of the teeth and gums, plaque may accumulate in the mouth over time. Plaque is a sticky, colourless, bacteria-containing build-up, which can lead to a range of dental problems, including bad breath (also known as halitosis), gum disease, and in extreme cases, periodontitis. Straightening misaligned teeth is vital to ensuring effective brushing and flossing, which involves cleaning all reachable areas of your teeth and gums.
The most common treatment for misaligned teeth is dental braces. However, braces may not be suitable for everyone, so most dentists also offer a range of treatments for crooked teeth without braces. Consulting a dentist at offices like Melrose Dental before seeking treatment for misshapen teeth is vital to ensuring you get the right treatment.Share