Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults in Glen Iris?

The Importance of Straight Teeth for Oral Health

It may seem that straight teeth are only important for improving your smile, but they play a much bigger role in maintaining overall oral health. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and help prevent a variety of dental problems.

How Crooked or Tipped Teeth Affect Oral Health

Crooked or crowded teeth often create small spaces where food particles become trapped. These areas are difficult to clean properly, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space and the opposite teeth may over-erupt. These changes can cause discomfort, misalignment of the bite, and difficulty chewing.

How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help

Orthodontic treatment can reposition your teeth, close gaps, and correct misalignment. Straightening the teeth prevents food traps, reduces the risk of decay, and makes cleaning more effective.

Depending on your individual needs, teeth can be moved with traditional braces or modern clear aligners. In some cases, orthodontic movement can even shift a tooth into a vacant space to replace a missing one naturally.

If a tooth is badly broken, orthodontics can utilise the natural eruption process to expose the healthy part of the tooth, allowing it to be restored and preserved.

Adult Orthodontics and Long-Term Benefits

Straightening teeth isn’t just for children or teenagers. It’s common for adults to seek orthodontic care to improve both the health and appearance of their smile. Orthodontic treatment can:

  • Improve chewing and speech function

  • Prevent uneven tooth wear

  • Support long-term gum and bone health

  • Enhance facial balance and confidence

If you want to know how tooth alignment can benefit your oral health, please click here to make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman in Glen Iris. Dr. Kaufman will examine your teeth and explain how treating overcrowding, tipping, or worn-down teeth can help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.

Why do I need straight teeth in Glen Iris?

You might wonder, “Do we really need straight teeth? After all, crooked teeth aren’t life-threatening!” While this is true, having properly aligned teeth brings many long-term oral health and lifestyle benefits.

Appearance and Confidence

The most noticeable benefit is a confident, attractive smile. Straight teeth help you feel positive about sharing your smile with others.

Healthier Mouth, Fresher Breath, Fewer Problems

But having straight teeth goes well beyond looks:

  • Reduced risk of bad breath: Crooked teeth provide more surfaces and crevices where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

  • Prevents tooth loss and ulcers: Crowding or wide gaps strain gums and disrupt your chewing, which can eventually lead to ulcers and tooth loss.

  • Even wear and chewing: When upper and lower teeth meet unevenly, some teeth may wear down faster, causing abnormal chewing, loss of enamel, and jaw discomfort.

  • Easier cleaning: Straight teeth are simpler to maintain with regular brushing and flossing, helping you prevent dental problems for years to come.

Straightening Crooked or Spaced Teeth

Orthodontic treatments like braces gently guide your teeth into their best position, delivering a harmonious, healthy, and attractive smile. If you have misaligned teeth or just want more information about the benefits of tooth alignment, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a detailed consultation.

What is wrong with crooked teeth in Glen Iris?

Crooked teeth may affect your appearance or confidence but their major impact is on your oral and overall health. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Straight teeth allow your gums to fit more snugly around them. It allows for proper oral hygiene by providing easier access to the areas around the gums. Otherwise, there is more room for bacteria to sneak in causing deep pockets in the gums that lead to irreversible bone loss, known as gum disease.
  2. Uneven teeth make chewing and biting more difficult. Teeth function best when they join together in a harmonious way. But when they lack their counterparts, eating is compromised. It will lead to uneven wear of some teeth and cavities in other, which can result in tooth loss.
  3. Protruding upper teeth are more likely to chip or break in the event of an accident.
  4. Crowded teeth create nooks and crannies, that are difficult to reach, for toothbrush bristles and floss. Without proper brushing, plaque builds up and weakens the teeth, damaging the enamel and causing cavities.
  5. Few realize that dental disease can seriously affect their health. Studies have proven that oral infections may lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are many reasons why a beautiful smile is good for you. For a straight smile or if you would like more information about the bite you have, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.