Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth: Why Alignment Matters

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Straight teeth not only look and feel better, but they are also healthier. Alignment is important, and having your teeth straightened at any age is beneficial to your oral health.

Top-tier orthodontist Nicole Thompson, D.M.D., and the rest of our team at Lovely Smiles Orthodontics in Richmond, Texas, want to make sure you not only look good, but also have great oral health, and it starts with straight teeth. Invisalign® is an ideal option for straightening teeth. Keep reading to learn why alignment is important and how Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter, more attractive smile.

What causes misaligned teeth?

There are several reasons your teeth might be misaligned. For example, your mouth may be too small to accommodate your teeth. This causes crowding and shifting. This isn’t your fault; it’s genetic. 

Another possible cause is that your upper and lower jaws are malformed, which causes an overbite. Other activities, such as smoking, might cause your teeth to become misaligned over time. Gum disease and tooth decay are other issues that increase the chances of having a misaligned bite. 

The importance of dental alignment

Having an even bite is important to dental health. Equal force coming from the top and bottom teeth keep your teeth healthy and your jawbone strong. Also, brushing, flossing, and general upkeep become more difficult when your teeth are misaligned. 

Dental misalignment can lead to jaw pain, uneven wear-and-tear, and tooth decay. In long-standing or severe cases, dental misalignment can cause sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. 

Sleep apnea occurs when you have repeated pauses in your breathing while sleeping. Left untreated, sleep apnea raises the risk for serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. 

The temporomandibular joint is a sliding hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth, and it connects your jawbone to your skull. Bite misalignment can lead to or exacerbate TMJ problems, leading to jaw pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Invisalign straightens teeth 

Straight teeth are more than a cosmetic concern. When you choose Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you’re improving your overall oral health and reducing your risk of complications from dental misalignment. 

Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible solutions that straighten teeth faster than conventional braces. The aligners are comfortable and results are noticeable in as few as 6 months. 

Want to learn more about Invisalign? 

To find out if Invisalign is an ideal option for straightening your teeth, give our office a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson or book online today. We’re happy to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.