Millions of Americans fear going to the dentist. Learn why you shouldn’t avoid going to the dentist and what can be done to help you deal with the fear.
When people think of orthodontic treatment, many assume that its only benefits are cosmetic. It’s true that when you have crooked or misaligned teeth, it can affect your confidence. Straightening your teeth can definitely improve your appearance.
However, orthodontic issues such as misaligned teeth can affect a lot more than just your appearance. Many people choose to get corrective treatments such as braces to help improve their oral health. Dana Samet, DDS, can help you choose the right option to enhance your smile and the health of your teeth.
Malocclusion is the official term for any type of problem with the alignment of your teeth. As many as 74% of adults have one of the following issues:
Malocclusion tends to be genetic, and you may have similar teeth to other members of your family. The shape and structure of your jaw can be affected by some additional factors:
When your teeth aren’t properly aligned, it can cause more problems than just cosmetic issues.
Misaligned teeth affect the function of your jaw, which can cause significant mouth pain. They can also cause you to bite the inside of your cheeks while eating or cause other pain while chewing.
Missing or crowded teeth can also cause jaw pain. Orthodontics can help to relieve this pain by shifting your teeth into the correct positions.
Crooked or crowded teeth also make it harder to properly clean them. When your teeth can’t be properly cleaned, this puts you at greater risk of developing periodontal disease.
People with particularly severe malocclusion may be more likely to breathe out of their nose than their mouths. It can also cause you to develop speech problems, such as a lisp. Correcting misaligned teeth can do more than just change your appearance; it can also affect seemingly unrelated issues like eating, breathing, and speaking.
While correcting misaligned teeth does give you a straighter, more attractive smile, it’s also important for your good dental health. Although you may think children and teens are the only ones who receive orthodontic treatment, a growing number of adults are doing so as well. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that approximately 1.5 million adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Options include traditional braces, clear aligners from Invisalign®️, and other treatments such as expanders. Orthodontic treatment can improve the health of your teeth and fix problems like chronic jaw pain.
If you have problems with misaligned teeth, know that you can get them fixed at any age. Talk to Dr. Samet about your orthodontic options by calling our Torrance, California, office at 310-421-4442.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Millions of Americans fear going to the dentist. Learn why you shouldn’t avoid going to the dentist and what can be done to help you deal with the fear.
Having straight and well-aligned teeth can have a major impact on your smile. But, it can also help your oral health. Read on to learn five important long-term reasons why having a good alignment is so important.
Dental implants are an attractive, permanent replacement for missing teeth. They look and feel natural, making them a worthwhile investment in maintaining your smile. Learn more about what defines a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental crowns strengthen your teeth and help you maintain a beautiful smile. But getting crowns is normally a time-consuming process. Read on to learn how CEREC® crowns can cut down the amount of time involved in getting a new crown.
In 2020, let your confidence and smile shine with the help of professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a simple and safe cosmetic procedure that can lift stains to reveal bright, beautiful teeth.
Are you too embarrassed to smile, worried that people will see your missing, stained, or crooked teeth? Learn how a bright, beautiful smile can be yours with cosmetic dentistry!