Although braces are intended to improve the appearance of your smile, there are more than just aesthetic benefits to having straighter teeth. When teeth are overcrowded or at different angles, it can make it more difficult to clean them, meaning that food and plaque can get lodged in between them. In the short-term, this can lead to bad breath and plaque build-up, which then can lead to long-term problems like decay and gum disease.
As we age, our teeth have a tendency to shift further forward to crowd at the front of the mouth. This can make your smile look more narrow and appear smaller. If you aren’t happy with the way this looks, you don’t have to keep it this way. Adult braces can gently move your teeth into a more aligned position, and with the use of retainers, your teeth will remain in their new position indefinitely.