Poorly Aligned Teeth: More Than a Cosmetic Issue

If your teeth aren’t lined up properly, you may be tempted to ignore the problem. After all, orthodontic work may seem expensive, or you may not want to invest the time. 

Approaching your alignment issues with this mindset may feel good in the short term, but in the long term, it could lead to bigger problems.

Howard Spector, DDS, and our expert team at Millennium Park Orthodontics in Chicago have seen this issue time and again. Based on our experience, here’s why poorly aligned teeth can be more than just a cosmetic issue.

Potential consequences of having misaligned teeth

Having misaligned teeth can lead to a number of problems, including the following:

Make your teeth harder to clean

If any of your teeth are crooked, this may hinder your ability to floss and brush properly. Floss may not even fit between your teeth, for example. This lack of cleaning can lead to food particles getting stuck, and bacteria and plaque can build up. This can then lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. 

Put you at a greater risk for gum disease

If your teeth are crooked, they aren’t sitting correctly in your gums. This can cause small pockets to develop between your teeth and your gums, where bacteria can build up. This bacteria can turn into plaque, which can then develop into periodontitis, or gum disease, which can eventually cause you to lose teeth if the condition is not corrected.

Make your teeth wear out faster

If your teeth are crooked, the uneven surfaces can stick out and cause your teeth to rub together. This can lead to wear on your teeth and cause the protective enamel to thin out. And as the enamel thins, this can weaken your teeth and lead to chips and cracks. In short, having misaligned teeth could make your teeth wear out faster.

Affect your overall health

Not only can having crooked teeth put you at a higher risk for gum disease, they can cause your overall health to decline as well. Gum disease has been linked to several serious conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s diabetes, and more. Inflammation in your gums can also lead to inflammation throughout your body, putting you at a higher risk for many other diseases.

If you have misaligned teeth, our helpful team at Millennium Park Orthodontics can straighten them, which can improve your oral and overall health. We offer several treatment options, including braces and Invisalign. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone with Millennium Park Orthodontics today.