When teeth are crowded, crooked, or misaligned, they can create hard-to-reach spaces where plaque and bacteria love to hide. Over time, this can increase your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
The good news is that correcting alignment issues can make brushing and flossing more effective and keep your mouth healthier for years to come.
Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, and our team at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, are Invisalign® experts who’ve seen many patients improve their smile and dental health. Here, learn more about maintaining straighter teeth to optimize your oral health and overall well-being.
Here are a few reasons straighter teeth can boost your dental health and keep dental health problems at bay:
Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, which means you’re less likely to have a problem with plaque, tartar, and cavity risk. Why? Crooked teeth offer extra places for bacteria to hide when you’re brushing and flossing; straight teeth are easier to clean.
For that same reason, your risk of gum disease also decreases with a straighter smile. This is important because nearly half of adults over 30 have gum disease, which is associated with heart disease.
When you have a misaligned bite, your teeth can endure extra wear, increasing their risk of damage. For example, you might have more cracks or chips, worn-down teeth, and similar problems due to an improper bite. Invisalign can correct this.
Jawbone and jaw joint problems may also arise because of a misaligned bite. You might experience pain, stiffness, and difficulty opening your mouth wide or chewing because of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Correcting your bite can improve jaw health.
Having straight teeth and an aligned bite can make it easier to chew foods, especially crunchy foods that help keep plaque at bay. Examples include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are packed with essential nutrients that maximize overall health and well-being.
Crooked teeth are more likely to harbor bacteria, plaque, and tartar that may leave your breath smelling less than fresh. Straighter teeth can help.
Because straight teeth with an aligned bite are healthier for your jaw and reduce the risk of TMJ disorders, your risk of headaches and migraines may decrease.
The position of your jaw and bite may even affect your sleep, as a misaligned mouth could negatively affect airflow and boost the risk of sleep apnea. Properly aligning your bite helps keep your airways open, making breathing easier and minimizing snoring for better Zzzs.
DentAlign NYC offers custom Invisalign® aligners that gradually move your teeth into their most ideal position. Studies suggest that patients prefer Invisalign aligners over traditional braces because they make it easier to keep your smile clean without all of those metal brackets and wires in the way.
Dr. Kakosian specializes in Invisalign treatment, tailoring a plan that creates a flawless, straight, and easy-to-clean smile. You should also see our team for teeth cleanings and dental exams every six months to ensure you’re maintaining proper oral health.
Learn more about the benefits of straighter teeth and Invisalign at DentAlign NYC by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kakosian by phone or online today.
