6 Tips for a Cavity-Free Halloween
What do you think of when you hear the word “Halloween?” Is it the costumes? The spookiness? Or maybe you think about cavities. Here’s what you can do to protect dental health, even at Halloween.
3 Reasons to Straighten Your Teeth (That Have Nothing to Do with Appearance)
Having your teeth properly aligned isn’t “just” cosmetic—although cosmetic concerns are perfectly valid and can be important. Misaligned or crooked teeth can actually threaten your oral health and, in some cases, even your overall health.
At Century City Smiles and Orthodontics, Dr. Shawn Saidian and Dr. Tania Ohebsion want you to enjoy outstanding oral health and feel great about your appearance. We think it’s perfectly reasonable to straighten your teeth purely for cosmetic reasons, but you may also want to consider other issues arising from misaligned or crooked teeth. Here are three reasons to consider teeth straightening that have nothing to do with appearance.
1. Alignment
We may describe your teeth as “aligned” if they are in a nice, even row. However, alignment can also refer to how your top and bottom teeth meet. If your top and bottom teeth are poorly aligned, you may have damage and wear due to the misalignment.
Just as teeth can be poorly aligned, so can jaws. Some people have abnormalities in how their jaws grow or skeletal issues that cause problems with how top and bottom teeth meet when the mouth is closed, and braces may be the best way to correct those issues.
2. Bite
Another closely related issue is your bite. If your top teeth cover your bottom teeth when your mouth is closed, you might have an overbite. You may have an underbite if your bottom teeth jut out beyond your top teeth.
Other bite issues include a cross bite and an open bite. These problems can make it difficult to chew and speak, and can cause excessive wear on your teeth—which, in turn, can lead to thin or worn enamel or even cracked teeth.
3. Hygiene
Depending on where your teeth are crooked, you may not be able to clean them properly. An effective at-home hygiene routine is essential for good dental health, but if you can’t physically floss or brush all surfaces of your teeth, you can’t have an effective hygiene routine.
If there are areas you can’t floss or brush because of the misalignment of your teeth, you’re far more likely to develop gum disease or decay. Both gum disease and cavities can lead to tooth loss.
Although getting your teeth straightened may make your smile more attractive, it can also help you keep your teeth healthier through improved hygiene.
Find out your options
Regardless of why you may be considering getting your teeth straightened, you likely have more options than you realize. Along with traditional braces, Dr. Ohebsion offers clear braces and Invisalign® aligners.
Since your teeth are unique, it’s crucial to get guidance from an expert. Dr. Ohebsion can discuss why you may want to consider straightening and describe the risks you face if you choose not to.
Schedule your appointment at Century City Smiles and Orthodontics today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Why a Missing Tooth Isn’t Just an Aesthetic Issue
You may not like how your smile looks if you’ve lost a tooth, but there are good reasons to consider options to replace a missing tooth that have nothing to do with cosmetic concerns. Here are some health impacts of a missing tooth.
When to Consider Expanders
Nearly everyone is familiar with braces and why they are sometimes necessary, but fewer people are aware of palatal expanders. Here, we describe what expanders are and when they might be an appropriate treatment.
The Link Between Bruxism and TMJ Disorder
Your jaw hurts, but you don’t remember doing anything that would’ve resulted in pain. Two different conditions could be the problem: bruxism and/or TMJ disorder. Treating either or both conditions is probably easier than you think.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Snoring sounds funny and can be frustrating for anyone who has to sleep in the same room as someone who snores, but it can also be a signal of a life-threatening condition. Sleep apnea is dangerous but can be treated.
Yes, You Actually Need to Floss
You may not like flossing, but it’s essential for good oral health, which is an important part of overall health. The benefits of flossing are well-known, and we can help you develop a good technique.