Teeth that are not straight or a misaligned bite can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. Brushing and flossing can be difficult or even impossible when teeth are overlapped, leading to discoloration, decay, and periodontal disease. Straight teeth are easier to clean. This makes habits more manageable to maintain and greatly reduces your risk for dental issues.
When teeth are not aligning properly, everything from the way you speak and chew to the way you breathe can be affected. This can cause uneven wear and tear on the teeth, strain in the jaw, or even problems in how you communicate.
However, there are also instances where orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners can help treat minor cosmetic irregularities that may not be causing larger problems, such as slightly gapped or unevenly spaced teeth.
Whatever your reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, it’s important to remember that your best smile is both straight and healthy.