Untreated orthodontic problems such as crooked, crowded and overlapping teeth usually lead to a combination of the following
dental or general health conditions :
Tooth decay and gum disease
– brushing and flossing teeth is much more difficult when teeth are crooked, crowded and
particularly if they are overlapping. Plaque is easily accumulated in the hard to clean spaces between not properly aligned teeth.
Poor oral hygiene due to orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay and also increases the risk for periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss.
Straight teeth can help in maintaining good oral health as they collect less dental plaque that is easier to clean with regular brushing and flossing.
Injury to the gum
– in some severe cases of overlapping teeth, a misaligned tooth may reach to the gums of the opposing jaw and cause soft tissue injury.
Fractured teeth
- protruding upper front teeth are more likely to be broken or cracked in an accident.
Wear and tear
– when teeth are misaligned the grinding forces of chewing are not evenly distributed to the chewing surfaces of all teeth.
For this reason, orthodontic problems are related to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Usually, the back teeth are more affected.
TMJD syndrome
– malocclusion may put the facial muscles and the jaw joints under increased stress leading to a condition with
symptoms of intense pain in the face or neck, chronic headaches and unusual clicking or grinding noises when the jaw opens and closes.
This condition is called
temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome (TMJD).
Chewing and digestive problems
- Bad bite problems, especially those caused by jaw misalignment, can prohibit proper chewing and grinding of food.
Partially chewed food can cause chronic digestive problems or even nutritional deficiencies.
Speech impediments
- Misaligned teeth or jaws can interfere with proper pronouncing of sounds like ‘s’, 'r', ‘t’ or ‘z’ where correct positioning
of the tongue in relation with teeth is important. Such speech difficulties can be corrected through orthodontic treatment.
Snoring and breathing problems
– improper jaw positioning may cause snoring or breathing problems during sleep (a condition called sleep apnea).
Self-confidence
– an unattractive smile can seriously affect the person’s self-esteem and self confidence.
Many people with orthodontic problems avoid to smile or feel uncomfortable when they speak.
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Orthodontic treatment
and dental health
Unlike strictly cosmetic procedures, orthodontic care can also benefit long-term dental health.
Orthodontic treatment can not only improve appearance and build self-confidence but will also improve dental health and
will help in the prevention of dental and general health problems.
The positive effects of an orthodontic treatment are so significant in the modern world, that many adults are now going back to the
orthodontist for braces in order to correct malocclusion problems.
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