Misaligned teeth can lead to a plethora of health issues that adversely affect your hygiene. The impact can range from lackluster oral hygiene to psychological problems such as a decreased sense of self-esteem.
However, recent research has provided evidence that misaligned teeth can lead to several other serious disorders, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Misaligned Teeth Are Not Just A Cosmetic Problem
Contrary to common perception, the impact of malocclusion extends far beyond one’s appearance. Crooked teeth lead to improper bites and an unnatural state of resting teeth, which results in teeth being ground against each other.
Even while sleeping, patients suffering from malocclusion have reported teeth grinding habits. All of these seemingly minor problems can accumulate to form a very painful experience to anybody who chooses to neglect the signs.
Moreover, misaligned teeth also result in several gums and tissue related diseases that can cause them to deteriorate. This can result in the exposure of the jaw bones and lead to severely painful and traumatic diseases such as Periodontitis.
We’ll list some of the major diseases a person can face due to malocclusion. However, this list is not exhaustive and there are many more issues that can be caused by misaligned teeth.
Tooth Decay
Spaces between your teeth are the perfect home for bacteria. When you eat something sweet, these bacteria release acids that eat up your teeth’s enamel. If not cleaned properly, the bacteria keep releasing acids that rot your teeth until they reach the root.
Getting your teeth aligned in time, either through Invisalign or a total smile makeover procedure, can allow your dentist to clean those spaces and correct your tooth, blocking the bacteria’s access to sugary foods. This, in turn, protects your teeth from decay.
Bone-Related Diseases
As mentioned before, misaligned teeth can lead to severe bone diseases such as TMJ syndrome and Arthritis. In fact, one of the most common causes of TMJ syndrome is a misalignment of the teeth.
TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, is the joint that acts as the connection of your jaw to your skull. It is crucial for the effective functioning of the mouth. However, misaligned teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort around the jaw.
In addition to TMJ, bad oral health has also been attributed to several diseases that impact the knee.
Halitosis
Halitosis has been linked with misaligned teeth – due to the fact that teeth misalignment makes oral hygiene maintenance harder. Any misplaced tooth is bound to promote the growth of bacteria. When bacteria release acid, the reaction can result in a bad smell from the mouth which can get extremely difficult to eradicate without the help of a dentist.
These bacteria will have to be removed with the help of powerful antiseptic agents that thoroughly clean from under your teeth. The cleaning process must be repeated several times to be fully effective. However, once you start the process of realigning your teeth, you can get rid of halitosis as well.
Earlier Identification Can Provide Lasting Relief
Misaligned teeth start posing a danger to your oral health steadily as one can feel pain in the jaw, or experience a chipped or fractured tooth. However, neglecting such symptoms in the initial stages can lead to complex and painful oral complications later on.
Such complications include severe jaw pain, disc slippage and severe gum problems that can cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. One of the leading cause of teeth misalignment is that as the jaw grows, teeth tend to drift apart. For some people, as their teeth drift it can lead to impacted wisdom teeth.
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they tend to force or ‘push’ other teeth which can lead to misaligned or crooked teeth as well as several other problems.
The thing worth noting is, earlier identification of the problem can result in a quick and timely medical intervention, saving you from severe pain and expensive treatments down the line. There are multiple signs to look out for, including:
- Pain in the TMJ or jaw in general
- Difficulty in performing routine oral hygiene maintenance, such as flossing
- Cheek biting
- Teeth grinding
Invisalign for Misaligned Teeth
There are several treatments available for misaligned teeth, but none as effective and feasible as Invisalign.
There has been a growing trend in the use of Invisalign, or ‘clear braces,’ owing to their feasibility and ease of use. With the help of advances in medical technology, Invisalign can be digitally perfected to ensure the best fit.
Invisalign provides a more durable and lasting solution, as opposed to normal braces. Invisalign helps the expansion of the teeth and the jaw arch before realigning the teeth – ensuring the teeth don’t face an ‘overcrowded‘ situation.
Invisalign also has a long term implication which works towards the favour of the patients. As people age, their teeth and jaw tend to get weaker over the age. A wider, spacious jaw and teeth alignment ensures the jaw bone and cheeks don’t sag.
If you think that Invisalign is right for you, or you just want to know more, feel free to contact Orchard Scotts Dental for a consultation.