If you notice warning signs that you need braces, it’s important not to ignore them. Braces and Invisalign are a couple of the most popular ways to improve the look of your smile, but they can also help prevent other dental concerns.

Many people consider getting braces or Invisalign to improve the look of their teeth. If your teeth are crooked, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. Aligning your teeth does more than alter the appearance of your smile, though. Having an aligned smile is an important part of maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

There are several different factors that can cause your teeth to be misaligned. You may have one jaw that is smaller than the other, which can cause an underbite or overbite. If your mouth is too small to fit all of your teeth, your teeth may shift and become crooked. Losing your teeth early or losing your teeth due to injury, gum disease, tumors, and other issues can also cause alignment issues. All of these dental issues can be corrected so you can achieve proper alignment and be proud to show off a straighter, healthier smile.

Why Should You Correct Alignment Issues?

If you are interested in braces or Invisalign, you might be trying to improve the appearance of your smile. Maybe you wish your teeth were straighter so you could feel more confident when you smile. While this is a great reason to consider braces or Invisalign, there are other reasons to correct your alignment issues.

The main reason that you should have straight teeth is so you can properly care for them. When your teeth are not correctly aligned, you may have a difficult time brushing and flossing them. With improper alignment, there are more places in your mouth for bacteria to hide.

If you can’t thoroughly clean your teeth, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up. This then leads to tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re more susceptible to tooth decay, you may lose your teeth and need replacement teeth and other invasive procedures, such as root canals.

Many people think about how bacteria and dental issues can affect their oral hygiene. As mentioned, you can lose your teeth or require dental procedures as a result of oral infections. Oral infections can contribute to additional health concerns too. In some cases, bacteria buildup can cause heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, diabetes, and other health issues.

Having aligned teeth means that your teeth can function as they should. Misaligned teeth may be worn unevenly, causing some areas to be more damaged than others. If your teeth aren’t aligned properly, you might also run into issues with fractures, which affect how your teeth look and function. Misaligned teeth can also cause headaches if you grind your teeth. If your teeth aren’t properly aligned, they’re more likely to rub up against each other.

When your teeth aren’t properly aligned, you’re also more likely to have TMJ and other issues. Your jaws are strained with improper alignment, which can cause TMJ or make the condition worse, which can contribute to additional dental concerns. The way your teeth are aligned affects your speech as well. People with poorly aligned teeth may experience speech difficulties. You use your teeth and tongue to pronounce words and create sounds. If your teeth are aligned perfectly, sounds and words are created correctly.

Without proper tooth alignment, your speech may be distorted. This can happen whether your teeth are too far back or too far forward. When your teeth don’t fit together as they should, your mouth cannot form sounds and words the correct way. You may slur your words if your teeth are too crowded because your tongue doesn’t have the space it needs. As mentioned, improper alignment can cause many different dental issues. If you grind your teeth as a result of poor alignment, your speech will be less clear.

How Can Aligning Your Teeth Save You Money?

If you’re concerned about the cost of braces or Invisalign, it’s important to note that dental procedures can be even more expensive. If you have dental issues as a result of your teeth being misaligned, you will need procedures to fix them. You may end up spending a lot of time visiting the dentist’s office for checkups and procedures.

In some cases, you may have to visit the emergency dentist’s office. If you need urgent dental care, you might not be able to wait for a regular dental appointment. Visiting the emergency dentist can be expensive too. The cost of each dental procedure varies by severity and type, but the cost of straightening your teeth may be much lower. Straightening your teeth can resolve and prevent many dental issues, while you may need a series of dental procedures to treat issues caused by misalignment.

By investing in your teeth now with Invisalign or braces, you can save money on dental procedures later on. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of frequent appointments, procedures, and recoveries. Getting braces or Invisalign can prevent future pain and other issues.

Are Braces or Invisalign Right for You?

The best way to know whether braces or Invisalign are right for you is by scheduling a consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Amy Buchler. During a consultation, your teeth will be examined for possible bite and alignment issues. You will also be asked several questions about your oral health and dental goals.

From there, our orthodontist will share with you some of your options. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about Invisalign, braces, and other dental treatment options. Our orthodontist would be happy to offer additional information or help you make the right decision for your smile.

If you are interested in braces or Invisalign, call OMG Smiles today to schedule a consultation. After a consultation, our orthodontist can help you decide which option is right for your needs. With the correct treatment, your teeth will be properly aligned, giving you a healthier, more perfect smile. Orthodontic treatment is an important way to solve many different dental concerns.