While many adults think that braces are for children and adolescents, 20% of orthodontic patients are over 18 years old. Invisalign© as well as ceramic, clear, and traditional braces are all suitable solutions your orthodontist can recommend to align your smile. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth as they could be affecting your overall health.

3 Ways Crooked Teeth Affect Your Health

1. Increases Your Risk of Decay & Gum Disease

Toothbrushes and flossers work best when teeth are uniform and aligned. Awkwardly spaced teeth are challenging to clean, allowing bacteria in hard-to-reach places to remain untouched. The bacteria in plaque react with the sugars you consume and form acids that corrode your teeth. If you have crooked smile, visit your dentist frequently for proper cleanings or talk to an orthodontist about aligners, like braces or Invisalign©.

2. Damages Your Teeth

When a crooked tooth bumps into its neighbor, it adds undue stress, creating cracks and fractures. These ruptures allow harmful bacteria to infect the tooth and cause problems, like infections and dental decay. Teeth that are completely cracked to the root cannot be saved and require extraction. To fill the gap left by a missing tooth, many dental professionals recommend bridges or implants.

3. Causes Pain

Intense headaches can be caused by a misaligned bite. Teeth will require more effort to break down food, resulting in jaw strain that can lead to headache conditions like, temporomandibular disease. Additional symptoms of this affliction include joint capsule tenderness, noise during jaw movement, and a reduced range of motion when opening your mouth.

If you’d like a straighter smile to avoid these afflictions, contact the skilled team at Hawaii Orthodontists in Honolulu. These professionals are led by Dr. Tammy Chang-Motooka and Dr. Shelliann Kawamoto, and they treat children, teens, and adults across Oahu. These experienced orthodontists offer an array of aligners, such as Invisalign® and Clarity™ ceramic braces as well as traditional metal brackets. Learn more about their treatments online, or call (808) 947-3737 to schedule an orthodontist appointment. Connect with the team on Facebook for the latest news and updates, and read patient reviews on Yelp.