Your
dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy
teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are
hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen
gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems
can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient
chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone
that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These
can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment
by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care
required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic
problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious
benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel
more self-confidence and social acceptance.

