Do braces weaken teeth?
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Possible problems with braces
Orthodontic braces are immensely popular with adult patients in London lately. They have so many benefits associated with them – such as improved confidence and overall oral health. But what else can happen? Are there any side effects when it comes to straightening your teeth with braces? Our orthodontic braces team at Whites Dental can help address your questions regarding orthodontic braces. We provide a range of orthodontic braces including Ceramic braces, invisalign teen braces and Damon braces in London Waterloo.
The chances of anything bad happening during treatment are very slim, however having said that there are always risks when it comes to dental or medical procedures. Complications can occur as a result of your dental treatment, but that’s not to say that all side effects are unusual. We’ve collected a number of side effects to advise future and current patients of what effects from braces are totally standard and which aren’t.
Common Side Effects of Braces
Mild Discomfort – Slight discomfort with braces is completely normal and should be expected. Since braces work by manually shifting your teeth into proper position, discomfort is an effect more often than not. This discomfort can be manifested as headaches or be concentrated on your teeth, both of which are common. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help most people relieve whatever tension or pain they feel. If headaches or pain become unbearable over time, you should let your dentist know immediately as it could be a sign of something else at work.
Irritation – It will take some time for your mouth and lips to get used to the wires and brackets that make up the braces you’re wearing and adjust to the right position. During this time, it’s very probable that you will feel some mild irritation. Fortunately, there are plenty of products whose sole purpose is to reduce irritation, orthodontic wax being the most popular. Place the wax over a whole section or single bracket in an area that’s bothering you and feel the instant relief. If there’s a sharp wire that’s poking you or causing your mouth to bleed, speak to your orthodontist about it as soon as possible.
Jaw Pain – Jaw pain can be a possible side effect of braces, especially if your treatment requires the realignment of your jaw. Over-the-counter painkillers may help manage this pain, depending on its severity. This may reoccur after every tightening, as well.
Difficulty Eating – Difficulty eating and chewing food is a big complaint that we receive, especially after a tightening. It’s at times like these that our braces friendly diet is even more handy to have around. While it may be difficult to eat solid foods for a short period of time, this side effect will likely resolve itself quickly and you will be back to eating your favourite food in no time.
Unusual Effects from Braces – Now that we’ve covered the common side effects that a person can experience during treatment, let’s consider some complications that could occur as a result of wearing braces. If you end up experiencing any of these, get in touch with your dentist or orthodontist to discuss what the cause is and what options are available to you.
Tooth Decay – Practicing good dental hygiene is always important but especially more so for patients with braces on as tooth decay can occur as a result of poor hygiene. It’s very important for all braces patients to carefully clean their teeth each and every day, meaning brushing twice and flossing at least once daily. If your tooth does start to decay quickly, steps might have to be taken that will delay treatment.
Decalcification – Decalcification can occur with any set of teeth but it’s especially true when it comes to teeth with braces on. Decalcification appears as white marks on the teeth and is usually a side effect of poor hygiene. Cavities can also appear if food and plaque are not removed regularly. These issues can be easily prevented with regular, thorough brushing and flossing as well as a diet that is low in sugar.
Root Resorption – The shortening of roots during the time that a person has braces on is known as root resorption. This can be little more than a slight shrinking of the root tip that won’t result in any long-term oral health problems. Hardly, patients experience a shortening of at least half of the root, which could cause significant changes to their long-term health. The exact cause is not yet known, but wearing braces for 2-3 years tends to increase the chances of it happening. At Whites Dental our dentists near me take consistent x-rays to determine if any root resorption has occurred.
While the above side effects are possible, the much more likely situation is that you will end your experience with braces happy and confident with your new smile.
If you have any questions regarding braces and how they impact your teeth and smile, feel free to book a free consultation with us and talk to one of our dental professionals. Our dedicated orthodontics team is always happy to discuss the best braces treatment for your needs, and to provide honest, impartial advice on how best to care for your teeth.
For more information on orthodontic braces, visit our orthodontics homepage – https://www.whitesdental.co.uk/orthodontist-teeth-straightening-london-waterloo/
At Whites Dental, we take great pride in providing comprehensive orthodontic treatments to our patients to straighten their teeth. If you are looking to get more information on how brace’s can help reshape your smile, why not book a free consultation with one of our orthodontics team in London Waterloo.