What Will Happen If You Don't Fix Your Overcrowded Teeth?
If you have overcrowded teeth, you may have come across a lot of information regarding the benefits of orthodontic treatment. This treatment involves the use of appliances such as metal braces and Invisalign to apply pressure to the teeth and move them slowly in a specific direction. It helps straighten the teeth and solve overcrowding and misalignment issues.
Most people who know that they need this kind of treatment but have never sought it never think about the effects of living life with crowded or poorly aligned teeth. Well, there is more to worry about than just your dental aesthetics. This article will look into some of the risks that you expose yourself to by failing to get orthodontic treatment to restore your teeth.
Poor dental hygiene
With crowded teeth, it is almost impossible to brush correctly and maintain proper oral health. A standard toothbrush cannot get into the nooks and remove food particles that may be stuck between the teeth. As a result, the leftover particles will attract bacteria which lead to tartar and plaque buildup. Over time, the bacteria will release acids as they feed on the particles, and this will erode the enamel and expose you to gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, you may start developing bad breath even after religiously brushing your teeth multiple times each day.
Teeth cracking or breaking
When the teeth are crowded or misaligned, it means that they do not come into contact with each other in the right manner when you close your jaw. As a result, you end up exerting undue pressure on the teeth when chewing or biting. The pressure and an uneven bite cause abnormal wear of the enamel, and this can eventually cause the teeth to start cracking and chipping. Instead of treating misalignment only, you will now be forced to get other treatments, such as veneers, to conceal the broken teeth.
TMJ syndrome
Overcrowded and misaligned teeth increase your chances of suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This joint is attached to certain oral muscles that control your bite when chewing. If you have crowded teeth and an uneven bite, this affects the movement of the jaw. As a result, you may experience jaw pain and soreness, headaches, ear pain and a popping sound when you open and close the mouth. In severe cases, TMJ syndrome can necessitate surgery.
It is evident that ignoring overcrowded and misaligned teeth can do a lot of harm to your dental health. Contact an orthodontist today so that you can explore treatment options to manage this problem.
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