While you may not like the appearance of overcrowded, chipped, crooked, or missing teeth, there are actually several reasons why it’s important to consider restorative dentistry. Some dental problems can actually have a long-term impact on your overall health. Dr. Jacob Grapevine of Plano, TX is an experienced dentist who can help restore and preserve your smile.
Ensure Your Teeth Wear Evenly
Teeth that are not aligned properly will wear unevenly over time, which can cause premature tooth decay or pain. Excess tooth wear can lead to several serious dental health concerns, because teeth that are worn in one area will erode and expose the sensitive layer beneath the enamel. This can then become infected, leading to cavities or even gum disease.
Excess tooth wear is often a result of an uneven bite, which could come from a jaw injury, crooked or missing teeth, an overbite or underbite, or even an uneven crown or molding fit. If left untreated, teeth can be worn down to their stumps, requiring extensive dental work to fix.
Improve Overall Health
Gum disease is associated with several health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or even Alzheimer’s. Misaligned, fractured, or missing teeth can lead to gum disease because they are more difficult to clean and maintain. Also, small areas where the gums are not closely aligned to the teeth allow bacteria to penetrate the gums and become infected.
Decrease Your Risk of Gum Disease
Overcrowded or crooked teeth may be the result of a deeper problem beneath the gums. Teeth can move around in the mouth, and they may become overcrowded if there’s no room for them to go. When teeth are too close together, they can crack or fracture. This could cause pain or infection if left untreated.
Crooked, chipped, or broken teeth are also difficult to clean. If teeth are not cleaned properly, plaque will build up and begin to erode enamel and gums, which could cause them to become infected and teeth to be less stable. Progressive gum disease is linked to systemic health problems.
How to Improve Your Smile
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in dentistry. Dr. Grapevine and his associates will present you with various options to achieve your dental goals and help you choose which treatment is best for your needs and budget. Schedule a consultation with our office online or call (972) 268-6480 today!