A smile isn’t just a facial feature – it communicates your state of mind. A smile enhances everything from our daily business dealings right to the most intimate moments we share with our family.
Even when we aren’t dealing in a face to face conversation, the nonvisual cue of a smile – in the case of customer care representatives for instance – can play a significant part in ensuring customer satisfaction and influencing their perception of our business.
However, not all people smile the same. An unfortunate few face dental problems that cause them to alter, or hide, the most prominent feature – their smile. One of the leading reasons why people don’t smile is because they don’t feel confident about the appearance of their teeth.
What Is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion, simply known as misaligned or crooked teeth, is a common dental problem that can easily be fixed by a variety of dental treatments, such as the use of Invisalign and smile makeovers.
There are two common cases of malocclusion: either the teeth are too big for the mouth, or due to improper alignment of the upper jaw to the lower jaw (or vice versa). Either way, misaligned teeth is a problem nobody wants, as it leads to multiple oral health hazards alongside a confidence crisis.
What Causes Malocclusion?
Experts indisputably agree that the leading cause of malocclusion can be traced back to your genetics. Just like the color of your eyes and the shape of your feet, crooked teeth can also be passed down your bloodline.
However, it is only one of the many causes. Other causes of crooked teeth involve:
- Misaligned or malformed upper or lower jaws
- Split lip and palate
- Extensive use of a feeding bottle or pacifier as a child
- Thumb, finger, or lower lip sucking during childhood
- Breathing through the mouth as a child
- Losing milk teeth early during childhood
- Suffering from injuries that result in jaw dislocation and misalignment
- A disease that impacts the gum, such as Gingivitis
Why Is It Necessary To Get Treatment For Malocclusion
Misaligned or crooked teeth are a common occurrence, and while it can be inherited, there is no rationale that states it should remain so.
In fact, with the advent of Invisalign and latest medical advancements like complete smile makeovers, malocclusion treatment has become an easier task than to live with a smile you don’t want anyone to see.
Dental Problems Associated With Malocclusion
If the benefits don’t attract, the cons will surely scare you – dental problems associated with misaligned teeth are bound to make you reach out to a dental hygiene expert. Malocclusion can lead to a number of different (and dangerous) dental problems:
Tooth Decay
Overlapping teeth lead to the creation of nooks and crannies that serve as an ideal spot for bacteria to hide. Even if you’re maintaining an adequate oral hygiene routine, the spaces prove impossible for toothbrushes and floss to probe.
The bacteria and plaque that builds up pose a grave threat of cavity infection in your gums as well as a risk for inflammation.
Teeth Fractures
Misaligned teeth strain the jaw and the facial muscles which can cause the gums to be under excessive pressure – leading to weakening of teeth.
In addition to the strain, the over or under bite that crooked teeth experience increases the risk of breaking and fracturing teeth multifold.
TMJ and Arthritis
Malocclusion is one of the leading causes behind excessive wear-and-tear to your jaw and its hinge joint – known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A TMJ disorder leads to pain experienced across your body – in the face, neck, and shoulders – alongside reports of jaw popping and bruxism.
In addition to the TMJ disorder, there are several pieces of research that portray how crooked teeth can lead to bone-related diseases such as Arthritis.
Other Problems Associated With Malocclusion
Apart from dental problems, misaligned teeth also lead to several other problems that affect the confidence and behavior of a person.
Facing these problems can cause a person to speak less, feel forlorn, and disassociated – possibly resulting in several mental health issues including depression and anxiety.
Problems with Eating
Ideally, a closed mouth should feature the tip of a tooth sitting in the gap that is created by the other; this is particularly true for canines. In the case of misaligned teeth, the teeth don’t lock properly when closed.
This results in an unusual biting and chewing process where the food is not broken down into smaller pieces that help enable smoother digestion. A disrupted digestion process further leads to a person feeling bloated after a meal.
Problems While Speaking
People that suffer from malocclusion have a higher probability of suffering from a lisp or other speaking problems. Your teeth from a vital part of your speech articulation because your teeth play an important role in the release of air and the sound your words make as you say them.
Misaligned teeth limit your ability to control how you speak, making the pronunciation of certain sounds – the S, F, and X in particular – a strenuous task.
Decreased Level of Self-Esteem
People with a misaligned smile tend to smile less due to a decreased sense of self-esteem and self-confidence in their personality. This is reiterated by several studies in the field; linking people with straighter teeth with more success, intelligence, and potential dates!
If this doesn’t rile you up to get your teeth fixed by Invisalign, we don’t know what will.
The Solution: Invisalign or Complete Dental Makeovers
Thanks to rapid progression medical technology has made in the last decade, a crooked smile is no longer something one has to live with. The advent of Invisalign and other procedures has simplified the treatment of malocclusion.
Invisalign are invisible braces that can be fitted to your teeth without anyone noticing them – thanks to their clear colour. They also provide an added benefit of being removable, so bid farewell to the hesitation and problems while cleaning and brushing your teeth.
For more serious issues, the dental professionals at Orchard Scotts Dental suggest a complete smile makeover, which makes use of several dental processes such as porcelain veneers, dental implants or teeth whitening.
For more in-depth advice on the solution that will provide lasting relief, contact us now.