Straightening your teeth can work wonders on your smile, but did you also realize it may help reduce your risk of developing serious diseases?
” Crooked, crowded or unevenly spaced teeth are harder to keep clean and tend to harbor more food and bacteria,” said Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, an orthodontics doctor in New York. “This can lead to an increase in plaque and bacteria in the mouth which can cause decay and periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and periodontal ligament that can enter the blood stream, travel to major organs and cause systemic complications.”
Gum disease may contribute to the development of heart problem; increase the risk of stroke, premature birth and low birth weight; and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes, respiratory diseases or osteoporosis.
Properly aligned teeth can help keep plaque and tarter from building up. Plaque and tarter are known causes of gum disease. Straight teeth help gums “fit” tighter around them and also make it easier to brush and floss, which leads to better gum health.
With today’s developments in orthodontic technology, straightening crooked teeth is easier and less noticeable than ever before.
When your teeth is not in perfect alignment, orthodontic treatment can help to gradually move your teeth– using small, gradual forces– back to their desired position using either traditional braces or other aligner-type brackets.
Invisalign / Orthodontics
We all know what braces are. But did you know that there are clear ‘trays’ that are placed over your teeth and do the same thing as braces?
Invisalign moves your teeth into the proper position with a series of clear ‘aligners’. Over time and by switching aligners your teeth are moved into perfect position. Braces can also be used to do this and are available in with clear brackets as well as the familiar silver.
Invisalign is a popular technique that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, clear and removable aligners. Clinical studies show that gum health may improve using Invisalign over other forms of teeth straightening techniques.Because there are no brackets or wires to worry about, patients can take out their “braces” after meals to brush and floss.