4 Reasons Why Malocclusions Need Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics can be quite expensive which is why most people with minor malocclusions pass on the opportunity to get orthodontic treatment and live with it instead. But even the slightest dental problems can have a significant impact on your dental health.

Teeth may be harder to clean

Crooked teeth are usually tightly jammed together which makes it more challenging to clean them. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque may still build up in these hard to reach areas which can cause bacteria to grow and may eventually lead to cavities and gum disease.

Increase the risk of gum disease

Most people will not realize that crooked teeth do not sit properly in the gums. When your gums do not wrap tightly around your teeth, small pockets develop and attract plaque build-up leading to severe gum disease. Crooked teeth are also more likely to develop cavities than teeth that are correctly aligned.

Likely cause of bad breath

Bad breath is not something anyone wants to worry about. It can affect your self-esteem and make you feel more conscious about getting close to people. You might think that the main culprit for bad breath is the food you eat, but it is likely that crooked teeth are the reason. Food particles and bacteria building up in between crooked teeth can cause bad odor. If you notice that no matter how diligent you are with flossing and brushing your teeth you still get bad breath, perhaps it is time to visit an orthodontist Woodbridge VA clinic for a comprehensive consultation and diagnosis.

Increased wear and tear and risk of tooth injury

Crooked and uneven teeth will rub against each other and cause more wear and tear. The tooth enamel will thin out prematurely and damage the teeth. Additionally, people who play sports are more at risk of injury if they have protruding teeth. Misaligned teeth can get fractured or chipped when subjected to excessive force and physical contact.

It is never too late to fix the problem

While most people get malocclusion corrected while they are still young, it is never too late to consider orthodontic treatment even if you are already well into your adulthood. If getting crooked teeth corrected will significantly improve your life, you might as well visit an orthodontist as soon as possible.

At first, learning about the treatment options may be overwhelming. But, your dentist will help you through the process and explain the procedure in detail so that you know exactly what to expect. The conventional approach to treating malocclusion is wearing wire braces. This treatment is the most economical, and also most effective. For more severe cases, metal braces will yield the best results. The patient needs to be prepared for the slight discomfort of wearing metal braces for at least a year to 18 months depending on the recommendation of the orthodontist. By adhering to the treatment plan and with consistent visits to your orthodontist, you will soon realize that the result justifies the pain and discomfort of wearing braces.