It's more difficult to clean your teeth when they are crowded and overlapping. Indequate cleaning is a major factor in tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Having your teeth straightened will make it easier for you to look after them. In severe malocclusions the teeth can damage the gum. For example, in cases of deep bite, the lower front teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper front teeth.
Some bad bites stress the jaw joint causing damage and pain in and around the joint.
Some people have difficulty speaking properly because of alignment problems with their teeth and jaws. Orthodontic problems are usually apparent by the age of nine , when most of the adult front teeth have erupted. However, your dentist may detect an orthodontic problem earlier. Early examination allows the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and plan appropriate treatment. Early treatment may also achieve results that are not possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing.