If your teeth are crooked, then your smile’s appearance might be what bothers you most about them. In fact, many people choose to straighten their crooked teeth in order to improve their appearance smiles, though orthodontic treatment also offers a wide range of additional benefits for your oral health. At our Fort Worth, TX, orthodontic office, we know well the importance of addressing malocclusion – the state of crooked teeth – as soon as possible. Today, we explore why straightening crooked teeth is necessary for maintaining a healthy smile for life.

You can keep your teeth cleaner when they’re straight

The alignment of your teeth is fundamental to the state of your oral health, and that begins with your daily hygiene routine. The goal of brushing and flossing your teeth is to remove the plaque that forms on their surfaces throughout the day. This is most efficiently done when your toothbrush and floss can reach every surface of your teeth. When they’re crooked, teeth can overlap each other and push up against each other, making it harder to clean every part of their surfaces. Until you straighten them, your crooked teeth will be more at-risk for issues that develop from plaque and tartar, including tooth decay and gum disease.

Your bite functions better when it’s balanced

Improved daily hygiene means your risks of things like cavities and gingivitis will be lower, but straighter teeth also means the rest of your oral structures can function better. For instance, your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that control your jaw’s movement rely on properly aligned teeth to maintain even, symmetrical bite balance. When your teeth are crooked, they won’t meet each other squarely when you bite and chew. The force of having to compensate for the bite imbalance can lead to a range of concerns, including bruxism (chronic teeth-grinding), TMJ disorder (jaw dysfunction), and much more.

You have a better chance at retaining your natural teeth

The issues that you can avoid by straightening your teeth, such as gum disease, are often the same issues that most frequently lead to tooth loss. With an improved chance at preventing them, you have a greater chance at avoiding losing one or more teeth, as well. Improving your bite function also lowers your risks of tooth loss by reducing the risks of your teeth becoming damaged due to uneven pressure.

Learn which method is best for straightening your teeth

Straightening crooked teeth improves your smile and oral health in many different ways, and we offer several options for addressing your unique concerns. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX today at (817) 236-7846.