A nice smile isn’t the only benefit of having straight teeth.

Straight teeth provide a healthier, more attractive smile and can increase self-esteem, but the benefits go well beyond that. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only future tooth decay, but also eventual periodontal disease and potential tooth loss. Orthodontic problems can also contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing or misalignment of the jaw joints, which can result in chronic headaches or facial pain. If left untreated, many orthodontic problems may become worse. Treatment by an orthodontist to correct the problem is often less costly than dental care to treat problems that can develop in later years.