If your child has been diagnosed with a crossbite, you need to get it treated as soon as possible. Read on to learn what a crossbite is, what can cause it, and how it can be treated.
If you’ve been told you or your child needs to see an orthodontist, but you’ve been putting off the visit because you don't have time or you’re worried about the cost, it’s time to take the plunge and make the visit. Not only are you delaying an improvement in your smile that could increase your self-esteem and confidence, but you’re also creating health risks.
You may think orthodontics is just about straightening teeth to create a better smile, but in reality, it’s also about taking care of your overall health. Misaligned teeth can lead to some serious complications you may not have considered. In this blog, Howard Spector, DDS, of Millennium Park Orthodontics in Chicago explains some of the negative things that can happen if you don't correct misaligned teeth.
Crooked teeth can create small places in your mouth that are difficult to get to with a toothbrush and floss. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. In time, these substances can lead to the development of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
If your teeth are misaligned, they can cause your mouth and jaw to be uneven when you bite down and chew. And this can lead to stress and tension in your jaw, which, in turn can lead to headaches. If you find yourself dealing with repeated headaches and no other cause is obvious, they may be a result of misaligned teeth.
The same bacteria that builds up in the nooks and crannies of crooked teeth may not just cause cavities and gum disease. It can also give you bad breath. If brushing and mouthwash don’t take care of your less-than-ideal breath, it may be time to visit the orthodontist.
We already mentioned the tension that can occur in your jaw due to misaligned teeth, but it may give you more than just headaches. It can also lead to a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Your temporomandibular joints are where your lower jaw attaches to your skull, and if your teeth are misaligned, this could affect the functioning of these joints due to the uneven pressure put on them. This could lead to jaw pain, earaches, face, neck, and shoulder pain, and other issues.
A misalignment could also lead to tooth damage. If your teeth don’t come together correctly, they could chip, wear down, develop cracks, and even break. They could also become susceptible to infection and other issues.
If your teeth are misaligned, we can give you the smile of your dreams and improve your oral health along with it. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone with Millennium Park Orthodontics today.
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