There are two great reasons to straighten your teeth: They’ll look better, of course, and they’ll work better when they’re straight and properly aligned. A San Diego Dentist Association member can help. When your teeth are correctly positioned, you will find that you can eat, chew and even speak better than you ever thought possible. And here’s a bonus: Straight teeth are easier to clean, help to prevent dental and oral health problems down the road.

Why Straighten Your Teeth

Genetics and simply growing up can cause alignment issues. Developmental issues with the jaws are common and may include overbite, underbite, crossbite and overcrowding. No matter what caused your crooked or misaligned teeth, they can make your overall health worse if they aren’t treated. Problems that can develop from untreated orthodontic issues include:

  • Temporomandibular Disorder, often caused by crooked teeth or improper jaw alignment, can be unbelievably painful with symptoms that include headaches, teeth grinding, and even a jaw that won’t open.
  • Tooth injury. If teeth are well-aligned and straight, they act as a wall and protect each other. When they’re not, injury is more likely. Teeth that are not lined up with others are vulnerable to chips and cracks.
  • Uneven wear. If teeth are properly position, chewing puts approximately equal pressure on each tooth. Crooked or poorly aligned teeth cause uneven wear and accentuate the unevenness.
  • Gum disease. Caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontitis is made worse when you have crooked teeth that cannot be cleaned properly. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth well, bacteria and debris are left in the mouth and can develop infections.

The standard today for straight teeth is custom aligner trays, although metal or metal-ceramic braces are still used in some cases. In the case of braces, brackets are attached to your teeth, then arch wires connect them together and are tightened to gently guide teeth into their proper location under the supervision of the SDDA dentist you choose.

Clear aligners are a more appealing choice for mild or moderate alignment issues. The trays are replaced with slightly different ones every two to four weeks that are closer to the goal alignment. Just as effective as fixed braces, aligners are removable and allow for easier cleaning.

If you want straight teeth, there’s no better time than now to reach out to a San Diego Dentist Association member.