Everyone loves a warm, welcoming smile — and it’s even better if that smile has properly aligned teeth. A gorgeous set of pearly whites can be one of the best things about a person’s appearance, but it can be so much more than that. Having straight teeth can benefit your health in ways you might not have realized. Here, we’ll explain some of those ways and talk about how Invisalign in Westmont can help you have the smile you’ve always wanted.
A Cleaner Mouth
Bacteria are always present in our mouths; there’s no way to change that fact, but brushing and flossing goes a long way toward controlling those little microorganisms and mitigating the damage they can do. If you have crooked teeth, however, your oral hygiene routine may not be as effective as you would like.
Bacteria and food particles can get trapped in the spaces between your teeth, and those little spots are difficult to clean with your brush and floss if your chompers aren’t where they’re supposed to be. The bacteria that you don’t clean away can contribute to tooth decay and bad breath.
Reduced Chance of Gum Disease and Related Complications
Misaligned teeth increase the chances that you’ll develop periodontal (gum) disease. When your gums become inflamed and infected, you can experience bad breath, bleeding, and swelling. However, the problems don’t stop there. If gum disease progresses far enough, it can allow bacteria to sneak into your bloodstream. As a result, you’re more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, dementia, preterm birth, and other serious conditions.
Less Wear and Tear on Your Teeth
Misaligned teeth are much more likely to crack or chip than those that are in their proper places. One miscalculated bite or a minor injury could cause your teeth to move against each other in the wrong way, leading to painful and unsightly damage to your smile.
Reduced Abfraction and Sensitivity
Abfraction is a form of tooth damage that isn’t related to decay. It causes legions to form on your teeth near the gum line. As a result, your gums might recede, and your teeth may become more sensitive to cold temperatures. Abfraction is much more common in people with misaligned teeth.
Invisalign Can Help You Have a Straighter Smile
Invisalign is a popular choice for correcting misalignment because it works quickly, and it doesn’t involve the unsightly and uncomfortable brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. It’s also difficult for others to see, and the aligners are removable, meaning that you can eat and drink normally. Your dentist can help you determine if this type of clear braces is right for you.
A well-aligned smile is a healthy smile, so why not talk to your dentist about moving those pearly whites into their proper places?
About Us
Drs. Jason Hong and Kathy Lam are honored to provide dental services to folks in Westmont. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile, contact our office at 630-789-1555.