I’ve chosen not to get braces because I thought it might be better to leave my teeth as they are, even though they’re misaligned. My close friends say that my smile looks fine.

Still, I wonder if there are any risks to not correcting the alignment. I want to understand the consequences of bypassing orthodontics.

Also, I am 23, and my upper wisdom teeth have started coming in. They aren’t causing pain, but I’ve read that they might affect alignment or cause issues in the future.

Could you help me understand whether I should be concerned about my current alignment and if my wisdom teeth could make things worse? – Thanks. Dana from MN

 

Dana,

Some people feel that crooked teeth are simply part of how we’re made. But protecting your health often means acting, not leaving things as they are. Just as shoes protect your feet from injury, dental care helps preserve the health of your teeth and gums.

A healthy smile isn’t about perfection—it’s about function and longevity.

Is Flossing Necessary?

If we stopped brushing and flossing in the name of being “natural,” the outcome wouldn’t be healthy. Even strong teeth need consistent care to stay that way.

Over time, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to:

• Plaque buildup and cavities
• Inflammation and infection of the gums
• Ongoing bad breath
• Progressive damage that can lead to tooth loss

Taking care of your teeth supports both comfort and long-term health.

How Do Crooked Teeth Impact Oral Health?

Misaligned teeth can create challenges that go beyond appearance. They often make it harder to maintain proper hygiene and can affect how your bite functions.

Common issues with crooked teeth include:

• Tight or overlapping spaces that trap food
• Areas that are difficult to clean effectively
• Increased likelihood of decay and gum disease
• Uneven bite forces that can wear down certain teeth

Orthodontic treatment helps bring teeth into a position where they work together more naturally.

What About Wisdom Teeth and Crowding?

There has been an ongoing debate about whether wisdom teeth cause crowding. While the idea is common, research has not confirmed it.

Current evidence shows that:

• Wisdom teeth do not exert enough force to shift other teeth forward
• The concern is typically limited to lower wisdom teeth
• Studies measuring pressure between teeth found no significant impact from wisdom teeth

Changes in alignment over time are more complex and not solely caused by wisdom teeth.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.