Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth: Why Alignment Matters

Misaligned teeth can cause many oral health problems from cavities to jaw pain. At 54th Street Dental, Dr. Meriem Boukadoum has corrected malocclusion for countless patients with the popular Invisalign® system. She offers the following overview, explaining the importance of proper alignment.

Why are some teeth crooked while others are straight?

Genetics plays a role in everything about your physical appearance, including your teeth. If your parents, their siblings, or your grandparents typically have misaligned teeth, it’s likely that you, too, will have an imperfect smile. Sometimes, though, behaviors from our childhood, sickness, or bad dental work can change the alignment of our teeth, making us more vulnerable to crooked teeth. 

We urge you to teach your children not to suck their thumbs and to wean them from bottles by age three. These behaviors can affect the way your child’s teeth grow. Tumors that grow in the mouth can also move your teeth from healthy positions to less desirable positions. Subpar dental work that uses appliances like crowns and headgear may also affect the positioning of your teeth. 

Why straight teeth are better 

Straight teeth are always in. A straight, white smile is the first thing that anyone notices about your face. With a straighter smile comes more confidence that shows through with every full smile. 

While a boost in confidence can lead to more happiness, this isn’t the only reason to straighten your teeth. Crooked teeth can pose oral and bodily health problems, not the least of which is uneven wear of your teeth. If your teeth are different heights and widths, you’re bound to have trouble chewing properly.

Crooked teeth are also more difficult to clean, increasing your chances of periodontal disease and infections. Crooked teeth can also cause muscle tension and pain, as the mouth struggles to compensate for the lack of an even bite. Choosing to have straight teeth with an even bite can take some pressure off of your teeth and may make it less likely that you’ll grind or clench your teeth while you sleep each night. 

Alignment matters a great deal to us, but it’s a personal decision to straighten your teeth. If you need more information about all of the benefits of correcting your teeth,  book an appointment at 54th Street Dental and get expert advice on how to best treat it from Dr. Boukadoum.