Health Risks of Having Crooked Teeth

Health Risks Of Having Crooked Teeth

Both children and adults can develop crooked teeth. They are often painless and can sometimes add personality to your smile. However, crooked teeth can also cause serious complications. Here are some of them.

• It can be quite difficult to clean between crooked teeth. This can irritate the gums and also cause cavities to develop, as bacteria and plaque build-up between teeth.
• If your teeth are misaligned, this can lead to temporomandibular jaw joint (TMJ) problems.
• Crooked teeth can also interfere with chewing, cause speech difficulties and set about chronic headaches.

It’s Never Too Late To Consider Getting Your Teeth Straightened

Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite will only worsen with age so it may still be worth considering getting them straightened:

• Having teeth straightened by braces can allow them to be cleaned more effectively.
• This reduces the chances of gum disease which is associated with heart disease and lung infections.
• It is never too late to seek advice from your dentist or orthodontist about getting your teeth straightened.

“For some people, it may be that having braces finally gives them the chance to clean their teeth properly and prevent gum disease and tooth loss.”

One In Four Men Would Like Straighter Teeth, Survey Finds

A new survey has revealed that 40% of the male participants have strong concerns about their appearance – with one in four putting teeth straightening at the top of their wish list of what they’d change about their appearance.

The aim of the survey was to find out about men’s confidence in their appearance and the likelihood of them seeking treatments to tackle physical imperfections. The results showed that those aged 18-24 were most likely to have looked into treatments to change their appearance, despite being one of the most likely age groups to feel it was wrong for men to take steps to change their appearance.

Issues regarding tooth appearance ranked highly as a personal concern. The statistics revealed that just over a quarter (26%) of men surveyed admitted that they would straighten their teeth if they could change one thing about their appearance.

The survey, conducted in October 2016 on behalf of Align Technology, had a sample size of 300 men of all age ranges, socio-economic groups and geographical regions in the UK.

The survey showed interesting regional variations:

• Those from the areas of the South West and West Midlands were least likely to consider themselves happy with their appearance (only 57% and 56% respectively saying they were happy)
• Only 2% of those surveyed from Yorkshire and Humber were confident about their teeth There were significant regional variations with 47% of those from the East Midlands admitting they had been prevented from doing things, to only 16% of those from Yorkshire and Humber
• Those most likely to be confident about their teeth were from Scotland
• Those from the North East and London were the cohorts happiest about their appearance (81% and 78% considering themselves happy)
• Those from the North-East appeared to be the least confident group with only 38% agreeing that men are more confident, while those from Wales were the most confident, with 86% of men considering themselves to be so
• Those from London were the group most likely to look for ways to straighten their teeth – with 75% stating that they would do so.

While the survey results showed many men would like an improved look, there is a reluctance to take the plunge. However, a significant 63% of men surveyed would look for ways to have treatment to alter the positioning of their teeth if they had concerns, and 24% would consider treatment if it was discreet.

The Main Benefits Of Modern Braces

If you need orthodontic treatment and you’ve always thought that braces are uncomfortable and unsightly, it may be time to learn how modern braces can benefit your teeth:

• Brackets and wires are made of advanced materials that involve less pain and a faster adjustment time.
• Clear aligners are very discreet and they are removable.
• You will see the dentist fewer times for adjustments.

More importantly, modern braces can straighten your teeth efficiently and faster than their older counterparts.

When Are Invisible Braces A Good Choice?

Braces can be made of metal, porcelain, or medical-grade plastic, as is the case of Invisalign. A dentist may recommend Invisalign invisible braces for certain patients:

• People with an active lifestyle or involved in contact sports, as the aligners can be removed to avoid injury.
• Teenagers who may have confidence issues when wearing conventional metal braces.
• People who are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, since invisible braces can be removed when brushing their teeth and flossing.
• Professional people who want to look their best at business meetings and social events.

Visit your dentist or orthodontist to see if you qualify for this treatment.

Getting Invisalign Or Braces When You Have Veneers

If you have beautiful porcelain veneers attached to your teeth, you may wonder if it’s still possible to have orthodontic work to straighten your smile or resolve any

Gaps:

• The best option is Invisalign, which involves removable aligners to straighten your teeth.
• Traditional braces can be used as long as the brackets are only adhered to natural teeth as they don’t bond well to porcelain.
• Your dentist/orthodontist will be happy to advise.

“While it’s usually best to get orthodontic work done before veneers are considered, for some people, this isn’t an option.”

Braces and Teenagers

Teenagers can be very self-conscious so it’s great to know that there are some discreet alternatives to traditional metal braces when it comes to straightening their teeth.

Key takeaways:

• Invisalign uses clear aligners and can correct many cosmetic issues.
• Lingual braces are not noticeable as they are fitted to the back of teeth.
• Damon braces are less noticeable with clear brackets and arched wires.

There are now more comfortable and attractive treatments available. Talk to your dentist to find out more.

“With fewer orthodontic visits and invisible treatment, Invisalign is an attractive option!”

When To Get Braces For Your Child

When should my child get braces? What is the right age to begin treatment with dental braces? These are all questions that parents ask once they notice unusual symptoms in their child’s mouth. Well, here’s all you need to know about getting braces for your little one.

• Take your child for their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.
• Contact your dentist if you notice any dental abnormalities, like difficulty chewing or closing the mouth.
• Orthodontic intervention always works best during your child’s younger years.
• Make that appointment with your dentist. It’s time your child got evaluated for braces.

How To Brush & Floss While Wearing Braces

People with braces are advised to put more effort and time into brushing their teeth. Food easily hides between brackets and wires and will increase your risk of gum disease.

Main takeaways:

• Ensure to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss every night when you are done eating for the day.
• Always rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash before brushing or flossing.
• Use the right tools including an interdental cleaner, a soft-bristled toothbrush, a floss threader, and waxed floss.

See your dentist regularly for proper oral cleaning and checkups.

Dr Panayiotis Karavellas

GDC Number: 252290

Panos is the most recent addition to complement our highly skilled clinicians and brings with him passion, enthusiasm and energy. Panos believes in delivering the best care possible at the highest of standards consistently and hence uses magnification routinely at a factor of 5 through the use of loupes – “no detail is too small”.

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