There are many reasons why your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment. You or your child may have a bad bite or malocclusion. This is a condition where the teeth are crowded, crooked, or out of alignment. In addition, the jaws may not meet properly. A malocclusion may be present even though teeth may appear straight. Malocclusion, which can include problems such as the crowding, spacing, and protruding of the teeth, and the presence of jaw problems, may be inherited or acquired. If acquired, the problem may have been a result of thumb sucking, early loss of teeth, or accidents. Straight teeth are of course more attractive especially in today's society, but the benefits of straight teeth are endless. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to take care of and clean, which may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and possibly tooth loss. Bad bites can also cause difficulty in speaking and chewing, cause abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, and lead to problems with bones, jaw joints, and gum tissue. Correcting these problems can make your mouth healthier and give you a great smile. In addition, crooked teeth can also affect you or your child's self esteem. Your child may grow up feeling bad or embarrassed about his or her smile. Correcting a smile may give you or your child a boost of confidence. Your smile is important for social interaction during the school years and later in the future work place. Fair or unfair, surveys indicate that employers are more likely to hire people with attractive smiles.