When teeth are crooked and misaligned, there are more places where plaque can hide. Straightening teeth in adulthood can provide a range of benefits, both cosmetic and health-related. People often think that straightening teeth is a cosmetic procedure, but it can also help to protect your teeth from damage and decay. The first benefit of straightening teeth in adulthood is cosmetic.
Correcting crooked teeth can improve your self-confidence and help you feel better about your appearance. A smile you can be proud of leads to greater self-esteem and that benefits your social and professional success. The main reason people straighten their teeth is because of their appearance, but there are also key benefits that patients can experience from waiting until adulthood to straighten their teeth. When there is overcrowding and misaligned bites, it is often more difficult for patients to keep their teeth clean.
As a result, people with crowded teeth often suffer from gum disease and tooth loss. Crooked teeth are difficult to clean with dental floss, and sometimes it's even impossible to give them the same level of care as straight teeth. Crooked teeth are more likely to have cavities, more likely to be damaged or fractured, and mouths with crooked teeth tend to be much more susceptible to gum disease and plaque. By straightening your teeth and replacing the teeth that protrude inside your mouth, you'll find that you're more likely to prevent them from being injured. Once you decide to straighten your teeth as an adult, you may have options about what type of braces to use.
Whether the damage is due to long-term problems or a sudden fall or impact, straightening crooked teeth is one of the best things you can do to protect them. Over time, all teeth wear out, but crooked teeth tend to wear out more quickly and suffer more damage than straight teeth. Whether one of the above five reasons to straighten your teeth sounds relevant to you and your smile, call Farmington Dental and Orthodontics at 479-267-5009 to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
