Misaligned teeth often create difficulties in cleaning. There is a possibility of the toothbrush missing areas where teeth overlap, thus enabling the build-up of bacteria and plaque around those spots and leading to cavities and other problems. Moreover, the overlapping teeth can cause the inside of the mouth to develop ulcers, which hurt and take forever to heal. Additionally, open sores heal slowly owing to the constant irritation caused by food, drink, bacteria, and any other substance in the mouth. Individuals with crooked teeth should take extra care while brushing and flossing, and should also incorporate water-flossing tools to avoid such harmful dental problems. Furthermore, open sores should be regularly monitored to ensure they are happening due to the crooked teeth rubbing on the inside of the cheeks and not anything else.

Besides, in the case of individuals with crooked or overlapping teeth, the gums are unable to maintain a proper seal around the teeth and may lead to bacteria and plaque build-up. Also, the gums become inflamed and irritated due to bacteria and may cause an abscess. Tooth injuries are also common in case of people with crooked teeth as they often protrude from the mouth and are susceptible to chipping or breaking. Moreover, overlapping teeth may lead to tooth wear and dilapidation, facilitating further wearing down of the enamel and increasing the risk of cavities and other severe dental problems. Chewing problems due to crooked teeth may also lead to muscular pain or inflammation of the jaw muscles. Moreover, crooked teeth often lower one’s self-esteem and confidence as they affect one’s smile and overall appearance. Therefore, the management of crooked teeth is essential to maintain one’s overall health.

Below are eight reasons why one should never ignore crooked teeth –

1. Better oral health: Straighter teeth help to maintain not only a healthy, beautiful smile but also proper oral hygiene. This cans significantly contribute to protecting the teeth and gums from gum diseases, cavities, bad breath, and other severe dental problems.

2. Better overall health: Good oral hygiene can eventually help one to have better overall health. The reason being dental problems may lead to headaches, as well as neck and shoulder pain, and periodontal diseases, which are associated with heart diseases.

3. Higher self-esteem and confidence: While straighter teeth have many more benefits than just aesthetics, a beautiful smile can indeed make a huge difference in how people perceive themselves. With no more crooked teeth and imperfections, one can flaunt a beautiful smile, feel happier and confident, and can boost their self-esteem.

4. Ease of cleaning: Managing crooked teeth and making them straighter can help one brush and floss easily, thus enabling the cleaning of all the nooks and crannies of the mouth.

5. Less pain in the jaw muscles: Management of crooked teeth can solve the issues, such as difficulties in chewing and inflammation of the jaw muscles.

6. Orthodontic treatments: The field of orthodontics is advancing. Today, unlike earlier days, there are many options available to manage crooked teeth, such as dental braces, aligners, and invisible braces, among others. These options are comfortable, often unnoticeable, and efficient.

7. Cost-effective orthodontics: The treatment options like braces or aligners prove profitable, as they prohibit further complications, which require expensive, complicated dental procedures in the future. Also, depending on one’s financial situation, the dentist can suggest suitable treatment options.

8. It is never too late: Crooked teeth can be managed with the braces at any age. However, other dental problems like gum diseases or cavities should be addressed before fitting in the braces.