Importance of Teeth Alignment
Posted on December 13th, 2013
Why Do My Teeth Need To Be Aligned?
The only reason people get braces is to improve their smile, right? Wrong! Occlusion, or the alignment of your teeth, is a crucial factor in the health and functionality of your entire mouth. It may not seem like anything more than a cosmetic issue, but malocclusion (misaligned teeth) can cause pain, difficulty eating, jaw popping and more. Your mouth is a finely tuned digestive organ and even the slightest issue with alignment could cause big problems.
Dr. Dassani wants to make sure every Houston, TX resident knows that a properly aligned bite is about more than just looks. There are many options for correcting your bite. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us! We at Dassani Dentistry are dedicated to your oral health and we will do whatever we can to make sure you have a happy, healthy mouth!
Is My Bite Properly Aligned?
Beyond any obvious teeth sticking out of place, it may be difficult for you to determine on your own whether not your teeth are properly aligned. Almost everyone has a little bit of malocclusion, but it is not always a serious problem that interferes with chewing or closing your mouth. Fortunately, Dr. Dassani can tell you exactly what is wrong with your bite and help you fix it. Below is a list of symptoms that Houston, TX residents may experience from having misaligned teeth:
1) Toothaches
2) Sensitivity to hot and cold
3) Jaw pain
4) Jaw popping or clicking
5) Difficulty or discomfort biting, chewing, or closing the mouth
Why Aren’t My Teeth Straight?
If your teeth are improperly aligned, don’t feel bad. Very few people in Houston, TX are born with a perfect set of teeth and most people need some form of orthodontic therapy. There are many causes of malocclusion, but one of the biggest factors is genetics. Mouth shapes, jaw shapes, and the size and position of teeth are passed down through generations of families. As such, you are likely to find that you share some alignment characteristics, such as uneven spaces between teeth or overcrowding. In addition to genetics, there are number of changes in your mouth that can influence the alignment of your teeth. Here are a few examples:
- Losing a tooth
- Chipping a tooth
- Injuring your jaw
- Dental work, i.e. crowns, bridges, fillings
- Orthodontic appliances (braces, retainers)
Treating a Misaligned Bite
Every time you visit Dassani Dentistry, we will carefully examine your bite to make sure that your upper and lower teeth fit together well and both respective rows are functioning properly. As always, feel free to tell Dr. Dassani if you have any concerns about your bite. There are a plethora of treatments ranging from fixed appliances, to veneers, to minimal filings of protruding points. Whatever your alignment needs may be, we will work with you to craft a solution that meets your needs. Call Dassani Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a perfect smile!
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001058.htm
http://damonbraces.com/choose/why-braces.php
About Meghna Dassani, DMD
Dr. Meghna Dassani received her initial dental training from the University of Mumbai, India, where she graduated in 1996 as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). After working as an associate for one year, she established her own practice in Mumbai, India. She successfully operated this practice for six years prior to moving to the US. When Dr. Meghna Dassani is not in the office she is at home being a mommy to her 2 beautiful girls and enjoying time relaxing with her husband. Since opening her own practice in 2011 she doesn’t have a lot of free time but when the time allows she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, visiting with friends and family and of course SHOPPING with a Starbucks in her hand!
