It is well recognized that when left untreated, many orthodontic problems will worsen. When you have a malocclusion (“bad bite”), your teeth may be crowded, excessively spaced or may not fit together correctly. Such conditions may lead to dental health problems. Crowded teeth are hard to clean and, given time, may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Bad bites can also result in abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing, and damage to supporting bone and gum tissue. Poorly aligned teeth can contribute to pain in the jaw joints.
You’ll be pleased to learn that orthodontic treatment will fit in with your current lifestyle; you can sing, play a musical instrument, dine out, kiss, and even have your picture taken without hesitation. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that more than 1,000,000 adults in the United States and Canada are receiving treatment from their member orthodontists.
It is worth noting that the rate of tooth loss has declined over recent decades. Our great-grandparents, for the most part, lost their teeth around age 40. Today’s 25-year-old has the potential to keep and use their teeth for another 75 years. This signifies a major shift in dental health care and life expectancy. Because teeth that do not fit well often wear down more quickly it is important to make sure that your teeth are in good alignment and well maintained in your adult years.