It may seem like having straight teeth is no big deal if you’re not concerned about the cosmetic benefits; however, there are actually several ways that correctly aligned teeth improve your dental health. Here’s what you should know.
How Bite Alignment Impacts Your Dental Health
When your teeth are not aligned properly, and your bite is off, it can cause a painful joint disorder known as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. If you suffer from TMD, you may dealing with one or more of these symptoms:
- Tenderness or pain in your neck and shoulders
- Difficulty or discomfort when you chew or eat
- Your jaw locking in the open or closed position
- Popping or clicking in your jaw joint when opening or closing your mouth
- Frequent migraines or headaches
- Ringing in your ears or earaches
- Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
Straightening your teeth often reduces or sometimes even alleviates many of the painful symptoms of TMD.
Chewing may also be challenging if your bite is not aligned. Rotated or crooked teeth are often stuck chewing in ways they weren’t designed for, which could result in chipping, fractures, or other damage. When you have straight teeth, you can rest assured that your bite and teeth are functioning in the way they were designed.
Better Tooth Alignment Can Improve Your Home Care Routine
When you have unevenly spaced teeth, or teeth that overlap, it can be difficult to keep them clean with daily brushing and flossing. If you can’t clear away plaque easily on a daily basis, those nooks and crannies will trap bacteria and your teeth become a breeding ground for problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Straight teeth are easier to brush, floss, and keep clean.
If you’re looking for a dentist in St. Cloud, MN who can evaluate your smile and help you reach your goals, look no further than i-Implant Dentistry. Contact one of our convenient locations today to learn how we can help you improve your smile.
