Crooked teeth are so much more than an aesthetic issue, but too often people think about forgoing correcting it because they don’t have the money to fix something that is just related to their appearance. When you are worried about making ends meet each month, it can seem impossible to have the resources to invest in orthodontic work for either you or your child. But crooked teeth have a way of impacting many more aspects of your life than you realize and by correcting dental issues, you will be saving more money in the long run.
Here are 8 reasons why you shouldn’t ignore crooked teeth:
Teeth Easier to Clean
On the most basic level, straighter teeth are easier to clean. When teeth are crooked, it makes it harder to get the toothbrush and floss in all the nooks and crannies of your mouth. This leads to a buildup of plaque and bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Nothing is more frustrating knowing that you are cleaning your mouth as best as possible, but that you are still not able to get it totally clean.
Less Jaw Pain
If you have several crooked teeth, they can affect how you chew which can cause you jaw pain. The crooked teeth throw your jaw off balance leading to extra stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Also, crooked teeth are also often accompanied with an under or overbite which can also make brushing difficult. Misaligned jaws can not only making practicing good oral hygiene difficult, it can affect how you or your child eats leading to nutritional deficiencies. Ignoring these problems will only lead to more issues down the line.
Better Oral Health
With straighter teeth, it is so much easier to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. When you are able to practice good oral hygiene, you are protecting your teeth and gums from cavities and gum disease. You are also less likely to suffer from chronic bad breath called halitosis.
Gum disease also known as periodontal disease is a serious issue that should not be ignored either. If left untreated, it can lead to infection, soft tissue damage, receding gums, and bone and tooth loss.
Crooked teeth can also age your teeth and gums unnecessarily because of all the extra wear and tear it causes. This means more chipping of your teeth and more flattened and worn teeth. You might think you are saving yourself money and time in the dentist chair by not getting your crooked teeth fixed, but in the long run you will actually be spending more time and money fixing all the damage they cause.
Better Overall Health
And it is not just your oral health that is put into jeopardy by crooked teeth. Your overall health is too. Dental problems can cause headaches and neck and shoulder pain and periodontal disease has been associated with different diseases like heart disease. Why put your whole life at risk?
A More Confident You
While the benefits of a straighter smile is so much more than aesthetics, it can’t be denied that a beautiful smile can really make a difference in how you see yourself and how other see you as well. When you are no long worried about hiding the imperfections in your mouth, you will find yourself smiling more which will increase the endorphins in your head making you feel happier (your smile will also make others around you feel happier too).
You will also feel more confident and find yourself going out for that raise at work or trying a new relationship which you would have never been done before. When you are embarrassed about your appearance, you tend to not want to draw attention to yourself and spend most of your time hiding out at home. How can you call that living? It is amazing how a healthy, beautiful smile can really transform so many aspects of your life.
Today’s Braces Have More Options
If the thought of wearing metal braces for the next few years is still holding you back, then you will be relieved to know that there are so many more options available for orthodontic treatment today. While the metal braces are still the most common, Invisalign clear aligners are also growing in popularity. They offer the same effectiveness of the metal braces, but because they are clear, more people won’t even know you are wearing them.
Some orthodontists may also offer other alternatives like cosmetic braces that you only wear for 6 months. And some patients may only need to wear a retainer. Everyone’s mouth is different so talk to your orthodontist about that type of treatment works best for you.
Payment Plans Available
Of course cost is still a prohibitive, but there are options for that as well. Most orthodontists offer payment plans to help out their patients. Make sure you have a frank talk about cost when talking to the orthodontist about treatment options and find out which options might work best for your particular financial situation. While orthodontic treatment is not cheap when you think how much healthier and happier you will be once it is done, it really is worth the time and investment.
It Is Never Too Late
If you have been putting off braces for you or your child, you may be worried that it is too late to correct the problem. The good news is that it is never too late to fix your crooked teeth. While most commonly kids get them when they are a pre-teen or teen, you can really get braces at any age, even in your golden years. You just need to make sure any dental issues like gum disease, cavities or missing teeth are addressed first.
Crooked teeth affect so much more than just the appearance of your smile. Talk to your orthodontist today about what are the best treatment plan would be for your or your child. Don’t ignore it any longer. Take charge of your health and happiness today.