Is addressing malocclusion a hygiene imperative? We think so.

Straighter teeth are healthier teeth. That’s something we say a lot here. And there’s a good reason for it. Misaligned teeth, clinically referred to as “malocclusion,” can increase the risk for undesirable outcomes in the long run. 

A lot of that risk has to do with hygiene, which makes National Dental Hygiene Month an excellent time to share why addressing malocclusion is a hygiene imperative—and how CandidPro and Philips Sonicare are helping dental professionals bring the best oral hygiene care to patients.

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Malocclusions make teeth harder to clean

Simply put, a misaligned smile can create food traps that are difficult to clean, even for the most thorough flossers. Over time, those food traps can harbor dental plaques that can lead to cavities and decay. Creating a healthy occlusion with CandidPro clear aligners can help prevent plaque buildup by helping patients achieve a deeper clean. After a patient's teeth are aligned, Philips Sonicare toothbrushes and power flossers are here to help them perform effective cleanings at home every day.

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Malocclusions are functional nightmares

When a patient’s teeth are misaligned, they may be at an elevated risk for excessive wear and tear. Each time the patient uses their teeth to bite or chew, the uneven force distribution caused by malocclusion can put them at risk. For some, malocclusion may cause hairline fractures in the patient’s molars, which could necessitate a root canal later in life. In other cases, patients may see their teeth chip or “shrink” as tooth-on-tooth forces compound over time. By addressing malocclusion with Candidpro clear aligners, you can protect patients’ teeth from excessive forces by creating a healthy, functional bite.

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Malocclusions may be hard to watch

Everyone wants a perfect smile. So, when it comes to your patient’s chief complaints surrounding their misaligned teeth, aesthetics are often a top factor. Misaligned teeth can have a mild to severe impact on a patient’s confidence. Furthermore, some malocclusions may also present with discoloration or staining. To solve your patients’ aesthetic concerns, CandidPro offers a convenient way to address malocclusions. In conjunction with our clear aligners, Philips Zoom Whitening treatment can also offer patients a fast way to achieve a brighter, more aesthetic smile.

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Malocclusions can be a problem for gingival health

Misaligned teeth can present issues for gum tissue as well as teeth. If a patient’s malocclusion is making it difficult for them to brush and floss effectively, they could be at risk for periodontal issues caused by dental plaques. Excessive forces caused by a dysfunctional bite alignment can also damage periodontal ligaments and may lead to tooth and/or bone loss down the road. With CandidPro clear aligners, you can address those issues while maintaining close oversight over the gingiva using CandidMonitoring™.

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Start the conversation in the hygiene chair

Ready to start addressing more of your patients’ malocclusions? The best place to start is in the hygiene chair. We believe that the most productive conversations around straightening teeth are best presented through a hygiene lens—because malocclusion is, in fact, an oral hygiene issue. 

Learn more about how CandidPro and Philips Sonicare are empowering hygienists and other dental professionals with the tools they need to start the conversation and drive amazing results on our new hygiene page.

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