Straight Teeth Last Longer – Appearance Is All That Matters? 

Dr. Brian Orcutt has practiced dentistry for over 20 years and has helped thousands of patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. In line with our motto, “Straight Teeth Last Longer,” one of Dr. Orcutt’s greatest passions is helping patients achieve and maintain straight teeth and properly aligned bites. A sound bite and straight teeth go beyond aesthetics; they foster long-term oral health and overall well-being. 

Every patient in Fair Oaks, CA, who meets us at Orcutt Family Dentistry wants to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. Despite the advancements in restorative dentistry, more is needed to match the benefits of a natural tooth. While there are several ways to preserve the longevity of your oral health, one surefire method is keeping your teeth and bite straight.

Why is it essential to have straight teeth?

Straight teeth look aesthetically appealing. However, that’s not the only reason to maintain a well-aligned smile. Other motivating factors include.

  • Better functionality: A balanced bite allows you to chew and speak better. Perfect aligned teeth work in harmony to support optimal oral function.
  • Longevity: Misaligned teeth cause premature dental wear as some teeth bear more chewing forces than others. Aligned teeth result in a balanced distribution of chewing and grinding forces. 
  • Better oral hygiene: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of infections and tooth decay. 
  • Confidence boost: Straight teeth improve your confidence to smile freely, positively influencing social interactions.
  • Pain-free lifestyle: Teeth grinding is one of the leading causes of TMJ-related pain. Well-aligned teeth remove imbalances in your bite, reducing tension in your jaw joints and muscles. 
  • It’s cost-effective: Believe it or not, people with misaligned teeth spend more time on the dental chair than those with straight smiles. Misaligned teeth increase the risk of gum recession, TMJ pain, teeth grinding, gum disease, bad breath, dental injuries, and other conditions. So, patients with orthodontic issues may need fillings, crowns, root canals, implants, and periodontal care more often to restore their oral health.

Genetics play a significant role in causing orthodontic issues. However, patients without the “malocclusion gene” can still have misaligned teeth. A small jaw, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, trauma, teeth grinding, and tooth loss are possible reasons you have a bad bite and misaligned teeth. 

How does Dr. Orcutt maintain straight smiles?

The best way to prevent misalignment issues is to start orthodontic care early. We ensure this by expanding the jaw structure using an “occlusal guide” from age 6 until age 12. Palatal expansion ensures teeth have adequate spaces to erupt properly and occlude at optimal points. Early orthodontic intervention eliminates the need for extensive treatments later in life. 

If you already have a bad bite, our dental expert uses Invisalign aligners created from see-through, sleek thermoplastic. The Invisalign aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth to move them in small steps over time. He has transformed countless smiles with Invisalign since 2006.

Dr. Orcutt also uses the disclusion time reduction (DTR) technique to address and manage occlusal (bite) issues. With DTR, the dentist fine-tunes the tooth surfaces or dental restorations to reduce excessive or uneven contact points when teeth come together. DTR helps to balance the bite and alleviate discomfort.

Get your straight smile today!

Dr. Orcutt’s passion for keeping teeth and bites straight is “fueled” by his unwavering commitment to his patients’ long-term oral health and overall well-being. Call Orcutt Family Dentistry at (916) 963-9986 to achieve your optimal bite today!