Braces are often thought of first and foremost as a way to get straighter, more appealing teeth, but that’s far from the only reason to consider them. Children and adults with superficially appealing teeth may nonetheless need braces, while those who have less straight teeth may be fine even without. If you’re not sure whether you want to commit to braces because you don’t care about perfect teeth, consider first these other key reasons to correct tooth and jaw alignment:
1) Headaches and jaw-aches
Perhaps one of the most notable reasons to seek orthodontic treatment even if you don’t care about the aesthetics of straight teeth. Misaligned teeth can lead to chronic headaches due to constant tension in the jaw and neck.
2) Tooth pain and damage
Teeth that are misaligned can put pressure on one another, contributing to general pain and discomfort in your teeth. Teeth which are pressed against one another are also more likely to be damaged in the case of impact to your mouth. Without room to move, the teeth become far more susceptible to cracking, chipping, and other serious damage due to physical trauma.
3) Unclean surfaces
Often, teeth which are misaligned create difficult-to-reach surfaces which are more prone to accumulating food debris, which in turn makes these surfaces more likely to develop cavities. This also creates a breeding ground for bacteria which can make its way into your lungs and bloodstream, spreading infections and generally taxing your immune system unnecessarily. This is also the reason why it’s important to resolve cavities quickly, as they can impact general health significantly.
4) Difficulty flossing
Teeth which are pressed tight together due to misalignment can greatly increase the difficulty of flossing certain surfaces, in addition to the many other significant risks due to such contact. Depending on how consistent this problem is across your mouth, it can greatly contribute to bad breath, poor gum health, and various other dental hygiene issues.
5) Cheek and lip injuries
Some forms of misalignment can contribute to regular damage to the cheek or lip. This can be due to accidental biting in some cases or be a simple magnification of normal trauma due to impact to the mouth or cheek. Misaligned teeth can turn a minor cut lip or cheek into a significant tear if you’re unlucky.
If you’re looking for braces in Destin, or you simply have additional questions about orthodontics, contact us today. At the office of Dr. Runnels, our team will help you determine which treatment option is best for you.
