Misaligned Teeth and Oral Health: Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Q: Misaligned Teeth and Oral Health: Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Hello： Considering that you are still very young, it is indeed recommended to undergo orthodontic treatment to align your teeth into a straight and even position. <br>Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Malocclusion causing oral friction?

I would like to consult a doctor.
My lower teeth are misaligned, and they repeatedly rub against certain areas on the back of my lower lip, causing the mucosa in those areas to become rough (which I can feel very clearly with my tongue).
I recently read that malocclusion may potentially lead to oral cancer.
Should I consider orthodontic treatment or similar interventions? Thank you, doctor.

Ani, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/24

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: Considering that you are still very young, it is indeed recommended to undergo orthodontic treatment to align your teeth into a straight and even position.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/10/24

More Info

Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, can indeed lead to various oral health issues, including discomfort, difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, and even potential long-term complications. Your concern about the roughness of the mucosa on the inside of your lower lip due to the repeated friction from misaligned teeth is valid. This condition can lead to irritation and inflammation, which may increase the risk of developing other oral health problems.

First, it’s important to understand that while misaligned teeth can contribute to discomfort and may affect your oral hygiene, the direct link between malocclusion and oral cancer is not well-established. However, chronic irritation of the oral mucosa can lead to changes in the tissue that may warrant monitoring. Persistent irritation can sometimes result in conditions such as leukoplakia or erythroplakia, which are precursors to cancer. Therefore, addressing the underlying cause of the irritation—your misaligned teeth—could be beneficial not only for your comfort but also for your overall oral health.

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can help realign your teeth, which may alleviate the friction against your lip and improve your oral hygiene. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, correcting malocclusion can improve your bite, which can prevent excessive wear on your teeth and reduce the risk of jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

In your case, it would be advisable to consult with an orthodontist. They can assess the severity of your misalignment and discuss potential treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Treatment may involve traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances, depending on the complexity of your case.

Moreover, it’s essential to maintain regular dental check-ups during and after orthodontic treatment. This will help monitor your oral health and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Your dentist can also provide guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene practices, especially during orthodontic treatment when cleaning can be more challenging.

In summary, while misaligned teeth may not directly cause oral cancer, they can lead to chronic irritation and other oral health issues. Seeking orthodontic treatment could significantly improve your comfort and overall oral health. It’s always best to address these concerns early to prevent more serious complications down the line. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider for personalized advice.

Similar Q&A

Should You Consider Braces? Understanding Dental Alignment and Health

Hello, doctor. My lower teeth are a bit misaligned. I'm okay with it myself, but a friend of mine had braces and their teeth became very straight, so I'm considering whether I need orthodontic treatment. Could you please tell me if braces or orthodontic treatment can ha...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Anonymous Miss: Hello! In fact, having straight teeth is not only aesthetically pleasing but also makes oral hygiene easier and more time-efficient. Orthodontic treatment with braces should not harm or wear down the teeth. Please communicate more with your dentist! Thank you...

Effective Solutions for Misaligned Teeth: Braces vs. Dental Crowns

Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing an issue with my teeth. During the development of my teeth, one of them grew in crooked, which has caused me to have a slight lisp when I speak and it is also not aesthetically pleasing, as shown in the picture: http://tinyurl.com/2otqh9....

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the misalignment of the upper right lateral incisor has led to irregularities in your dental arch, which may cause speech issues and make i...

Achieving a Beautiful Smile: Solutions for Misaligned and Damaged Teeth

Hello, doctor. I am 21 years old and have been troubled by dental issues for several years. I have a slight malocclusion, with my upper left canine protruding and my lower canine recessed. The incisor next to my upper left canine has been worn down and is missing a corner. Additi...

Dr. Yang Hui reply Dentistry
Generally, orthodontic treatment is necessary to achieve straight teeth, and tooth extraction may be required depending on the situation. The treatment typically takes about 1 to 2 years and costs between 60,000 to 80,000 NTD. Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic tre...

Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment for My Cavities and Misaligned Front Teeth?

I have a cavity in the middle of my front teeth, with more decay on the right side. The right tooth is also slightly misaligned, overlapping the left tooth a bit. Is it possible to treat this without orthodontic adjustments?

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: If your front teeth are misaligned and there are cavities between them, in addition to filling the cavities, you should consider orthodontic treatment to properly ali...