Many people decide not to get braces because they think crooked teeth are just a cosmetic issue. But they’re not. Crooked teeth can lead to unhealthy teeth and even receding gums. If you’re among the people who’ve put off getting your teeth straightened, there’s no better time than the present to change your mind, hopefully before you experience receding gums.
Crooked Teeth Aren’t Covered Well by Your Gums
Your gums are supposed to cover your teeth adequately, but this is harder when your teeth are pushed forward or back or just off at irregular angles from your gums. Crowding and tilting of teeth pushes your teeth out of the normal arch, leading to reduced coverage of your teeth. In some cases, your teeth may not even be well covered by your bone. These teeth become more vulnerable to gum disease that can cause receding gums and bone loss.
Crooked Teeth Can Be Subject to Extreme Forces
Straight teeth do a great job of balancing bite forces, but crooked teeth aren’t so good at it. Instead, crooked teeth may suffer excessive force on some of the teeth, This can cause flexing of the teeth at the neck, which can lead to tooth damage and can even cause the gums to detach from your teeth.
Once gums are detached from your teeth, it’s easier for bacteria to slip in between the teeth and gums, increasing the level of detachment and leading to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
Crooked Teeth and Hygiene
In addition to the problems that can cause your gums to become detached, crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar around your crooked teeth, which leads to gum disease, and then receding gums, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
On the other hand, your crooked teeth might make you paranoid about keeping them clean. You might brush especially aggressively around these crooked teeth, which can also be bad for your gums. It can cause receding gums, even if it does prevent gum disease around these teeth.
Protect and Beautify Your Smile
If you have crooked teeth, don’t wait until damage results. Straighten your teeth today and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
To learn more about your options for braces in Sydney, please call (02) 9686 7375 for an appointment with a Baulkham Hills cosmetic dentist at My Hills Dentist.
