Do I Really Need to Fix My Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth are often mistaken as simply a cosmetic flaw, with teeth straightening viewed as something done for vanity’s sake. At Whole Body Dental in Bellevue, Washington, we see things differently. 

Our experienced team of holistic dentistry specialists uses a full-body, whole-health approach to dental care, viewing the totality of your well-being. The alignment of your teeth can play a big role in your health and wellness.

So, is fixing crooked teeth really necessary? The short answer: Straightening your teeth can have a powerful impact on your overall health, comfort, and confidence, so we encourage it. Here's why.

Crooked teeth can cause bigger problems

Crooked teeth can create real risks for your health, including:

Increased risk of cavities

Crooked teeth can make it hard to brush correctly or to fit dental floss between your teeth, allowing bacteria and debris to linger in areas you can't reach. This can cause cavities and complications like tooth loss if left untreated.

Increased risk of gum disease

Just as crooked teeth can make it hard to care for your teeth, they can make gum care a challenge. There's a strong link between gum disease and teeth misalignment. Early gum disease might show up as bad breath, but it can soon progress to puffiness, redness, swelling, and bleeding around the gums. It may lead to gum recession and tooth loss over time.

Tooth wear and tear

When your teeth don’t line up properly, every bite becomes a tug-of-war, putting excessive strain on your smile with every chew and crunch. The teeth bearing all that extra pressure may crack or chip, and excessive enamel erosion is also a common issue.

Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Crooked teeth can alter the muscle balance around your jaw and change the way that your jaw moves. This can cause chronic jaw pain and may potentially contribute to TMJ disorders.

Digestive problems

When teeth are significantly out of alignment, it can make it difficult to chew your food. Improperly chewed food may have large chunks that your digestive system has to work extra hard to process. This may lead to discomfort during digestion, bloating, and even difficulty absorbing all the nutrients from food.

The solution for crooked teeth

Straightening your teeth is easy with Invisalign®. The clear, metal-free aligners are made to fit your mouth, so they make orthodontics comfortable.

Invisalign, combined with preventative dentistry, helps ensure your smile looks great while protecting your whole body’s health, so we think teeth straightening is a win-win!

A healthy, beautiful smile should lift both your confidence and your overall well-being — and you deserve nothing less. Call Whole Body Dental at 425-643-1231 to book your appointment.