A Look at the Dental Complications That Can Occur Without Orthodontic Treatment

Did you know that orthodontic treatments can actually improve your overall health? Unfortunately, crooked teeth and unsightly gaps can do more than simply impact your aesthetic appearance and affect your self-esteem. Dentists today increasingly recommend orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign as part of a comprehensive dental and oral care plan for patients of all ages. Here are some of the adverse health consequences of putting off orthodontic treatment.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth. It is most often hereditary, meaning that it can be passed down through families. Ideally, the upper teeth should fit just slightly over the lower teeth so that the points fit into the grooves of the opposite molars. If you suffer from malocclusion, the inherited difference in size between your upper and lower jaws can result in teeth overcrowding or abnormal bite patterns. If you do not seek orthodontic treatment, you may have difficulty chewing or suffer from mouth breathing, a condition in which patients breathe through the mouth without closing the lips.

Decay

Your teeth may also be misaligned after an injury, as a result of thumb sucking or prolonged use of a bottle, or due to naturally occurring extra teeth, lost teeth, or abnormally shaped molars. But whether you have an overbite or underbite, overlapping or poorly spaced teeth can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded teeth and the sensitive gum tissue between and beneath them are simply more difficult to clean. When plaque builds up on your enamel, it results in tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease. Braces can restore proper spacing and alignment to your smile and help you avoid more serious health complications down the road.

Are you considering getting Invisalign? At Sanford Dental Excellence, our dentists put your comfort first. With new developments in dental technology and oral sedation, our Orlando and Lake Mary patients can breathe easily even during advanced procedures like dental implants. Find out how to straighten your teeth at any age by calling our team of cosmetic dentists at 407-268-6409 today.