Are braces necessary?

Question

I'm 22 years old, and my dentist says I need to straighten my teeth, or I'll get gum disease! Is that so?

Answer 1

He's probably right because the way your teeth are now it's probably impossible/very difficult to clean your teeth properly. And if you don't clean your teeth properly, you will eventually get gum disease. So, yes, it is probably necessary for you to get braces in the near future.

Answer 2

If you trust your dentist then I would go with his suggestion but make him explain to you why you would get gum disease.  Braces are sometimes necessary and not just for cosmetic reasons.  If your teeth are growing in wrong or they are causing shifts in your jaw and bite which will later lead to other problems then braces are needed to stabilize or correct.  I'm sure he could show you some examples of how he has determined this for you.  Best of luck!