Braces were once the domain of teenagers but have now become popular amongst adults who want straight teeth. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the principal reason we would all like straight teeth is to make us look our best. We all want a beautiful smile to restore our confidence and self-esteem. All very good reasons but there is more to braces than meets the eye. As Alkali in Putney will tell you, straight teeth are not just a matter of aesthetics but your overall health.
Properly aligned teeth will function and wear better over the course of a lifetime. If your teeth are crowded, crooked or misaligned, you will probably have a poor bite and your teeth will suffer elevated levels of stress which affect their lifespan. A poor bite also causes chronic jaw pain that can make you feel tense and miserable. We can all expect a certain amount of wear to our teeth over our lifetime, but premature wear is exacerbated by poorly aligned teeth.
If your teeth are crooked or overlap, they are more difficult to keep clean than straight teeth. With correctly aligned and spaced teeth, your toothbrush can easily reach all the surfaces of enamel and your gums and the floss does not get stuck in the tight spaces between your teeth. With crooked teeth, it is awkward to brush and floss, and you are more prone to a buildup of plaque causing tooth decay. Not only are misaligned teeth hard to keep clean, but the chances of contracting periodontal disease greatly increase. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, can have devastating effects on your oral health and, left untreated, can affect both bone and gum tissues and lead to loss of teeth. If periodontitis becomes a chronic condition, it is evidenced that it can lead to other serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Crooked, overcrowded or missing teeth can also affect your mental health. If you are embarrassed by your smile, the psychological effects can contribute to depression, compounding your problem. You can lack confidence with both work colleagues and friends and become isolated.
For people who have lost teeth, it may be difficult to replace them effectively, because when a tooth or even several teeth are lost, others move. In order to replace the missing teeth effectively, with an implant or bridge, your remaining teeth will need to be repositioned.
Adult braces are now nearly invisible and come in different forms; fixed and removable. Fixed braces can be attached to the reverse side of the teeth where they remain unseen for the duration of your treatment. Aligners are clear moulded braces that fit over your teeth and can be removed while you eat and clean your teeth. They are comfortable to wear and will give you an aesthetically pleasing smile and a healthy mouth in no time at all.
To have you oral health and suitability for braces evaluated contact Alkali Dental Studios in Putney for an appointment here
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