Do you have crooked teeth or a smile that suffers from crowding? Many people that experience misalignment assume treatment is mainly for cosmetic reasons. While correcting the issue can improve your smile’s appearance, there are many other reasons to seek orthodontic treatment. Addressing an uneven smile can help improve the health of your teeth and gums.
FAQs About Orthodontic Treatment
Question: Does misalignment lead to cavities?
Answer: An uneven smile can potentially increase the risk of tooth decay, as well as gum problems, such as gingivitis or gum disease. When your teeth crowd or are crooked, then thorough brushing and flossing can be difficult. There are plenty of places for food particles to remain trapped. Bacteria will then break down the particles, increasing oral acidity and coating the teeth in plaque in the process. Soon, you have a greater chance of cavities and gum inflammation developing.
Question: Can an uneven smile lead to problems with the jaw joints?
Answer: In some cases, yes. Misalignment can place strain on the jaw joints, often leading to the onset of TMJ disorder or possibly bruxism (teeth grinding).
Question: How do you correct the problem?
Answer: We recommend correcting misalignment with orthodontics. We offer the Invisalign system. Patients wear a series of clear plastic aligners every day for about 22 hours. Over time, the teeth are repositioned. The aligners are barely visible and comfortable to wear.
Question: Who qualifies for Invisalign?
Answer: We recommend treatment for patients over the age of 16 that have minor alignment issues. We can examine your smile to see if you qualify for treatment. If you have any questions about misalignment or the Invisalign system, then contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR NORTHBROOK, IL, COSMETIC DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and our highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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