3 Reasons to Correct Cosmetic Dental Problems

Holiday Teeth Whitening, Nixa MOHave you been wanting to correct a cosmetic dental concern such as crooked, broken, overcrowded, or chipped teeth, but hesitated because it’s only cosmetic? You may be surprised to learn that while correcting these problems may help your appearance, there are also legitimate medical reasons to correct some of them. Dr. Jacob McLauchlin is an experienced dentist who can treat many dental concerns to restore your smile and maintain your oral health.

Ensure Teeth Wear Evenly

Nature designed your teeth to work in a specific way, and when teeth aren’t aligned properly in the mouth, whether due to overcrowded, crooked, or broken teeth, they can wear unevenly or excessively. A common cause for excess tooth wear is an uneven bite, which can be caused by an underbite, overbite, a jaw injury, an uneven crown, or crooked or missing teeth.

Teeth are strong, thanks to an outer layer called the enamel, but excess wear in the wrong place can actually expose the sensitive dentin underneath the enamel, causing pain and infection. If left untreated, a person’s teeth can wear down to the stumps, which require extensive dental work to fix.

Decrease Your Risk of Gum Disease

Incorrectly-aligned teeth are more difficult to clean, which can increase the risk of gum disease. Even if you can still reach your teeth with a toothbrush, overcrowded or crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean in the small places in between them. Cracked teeth also expose sensitive dental tissue and are more susceptible to infection. If teeth aren’t cleaned properly, plaque can erode enamel and gums, which could result in infection or tooth loss. This kind of tooth decay is linked to systemic health problems.

Improve Overall Health

Gum disease, clinically referred to as periodontal disease, is linked to systemic problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria in our mouths can build up on teeth and creep their way into cracks and small spaces in between teeth and travel throughout the bloodstream. Issues that may appear to only be cosmetic can actually harm your overall health, so it’s important to keep up with regular exams and to see your dentist if you suspect problems.

How to Improve Your Smile

Thanks to modern dental technology, there are a variety of effective, conservative treatments to help address your dental concerns. Dr. McLauchlin is an experienced dentist in the Nixa, MO area who can design the best treatment for you. Schedule a consultation with our office to keep your smile healthy and confidence high!

Location

413 N. McCroskey St.
Nixa, MO 65714

417.725.3200

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed