If you have crooked or crowded teeth, you should strongly consider some type of orthodontic treatment to get them straightened out. Aside from the appearance of a misaligned smile, crooked teeth can actually cause a number of problems. Here are a just a few:

1) Increased Risk of Gum Disease



Gum Disease can be caused by too much plaque buildup being left on the surface of the tooth, causing tartar to build up under your gums. It can be very difficult to properly clean your teeth when they are crooked. This can in turn lead to gum disease. It is important to get your teeth cleaned regularly by a dental professional, so we can clean the areas that your toothbrush may be missing. But even then, crooked teeth will tend to get more buildup between scale and clean appointments.

2) Increased Risk of Decay

When our teeth are crooked and crowded, gum disease isn’t the only side-effect. The teeth can also be too tight for floss to get in between them, leading to an increase in cavity-causing bacteria. If plaque is left on the tooth surface and food hides between teeth after meals, decay is more likely to develop. It’s very important to see our Somerville dentist regularly for checkups and diagnostic X-rays in order to intercept decay as early as possible.

3) TMJ Disorder

Crooked teeth can mean that your bite is misaligned, which can cause TMJ disorder (TMJD.) TMJD occurs when the jaw joint becomes inflamed and painful. The joint pain often comes with its own set of problems, like difficulty opening and chewing, soreness, and even headaches. Some may have to undergo surgery to correct the problem.

At Somersmiles Dental in Somerville, we care about you and your dental health. If you are concerned about your teeth and the risks of a crooked bite, then call us today for a consultation.