What Are The Side Effects of Braces?

Whites Dental Waterloo

Example Icon 0208 616 0590

Example Icon 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER

Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

Example Icon 0203 576 2325

Example Icon 52B Kendal St, St George's Fields, London W2 2BP


Braces are one of the most reliable ways to straighten teeth, but it is normal to wonder whether they have side effects. Most braces side effects are temporary, manageable and linked to the early adjustment period, tightening appointments or cleaning around brackets.

Quick answer: The most common side effects of braces are soreness, tender teeth, mild gum irritation, ulcers, temporary headaches and difficulty cleaning around brackets. Serious or permanent side effects are uncommon when braces are planned, fitted and monitored by an experienced orthodontist.

At Whites Dental, our London orthodontists monitor tooth movement, gum health and bite changes throughout treatment to reduce avoidable problems and keep your treatment on track.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • Most braces side effects are temporary and settle as your mouth adjusts.
  • Soreness after fitting or tightening is common and usually improves within a few days.
  • Poor cleaning around braces can increase the risk of plaque, white marks and gum inflammation.
  • Permanent side effects are uncommon, but root changes, enamel marks or relapse can happen in some cases.
  • Regular orthodontic reviews and good oral hygiene are the best ways to reduce risk.

🧭 Jump to:

Common Side Effects
Permanent Side Effects
Headaches And Jaw Pain
Adult Braces Risks
FAQs
Book a Consultation

Common Side Effects Of Braces

Most side effects happen because your teeth, gums, lips and cheeks are adjusting to the braces. These are usually short-term and improve with time.

Side Effect How Common? What Helps?
Tender teeth Very common Soft foods, pain relief if suitable, time to adjust.
Ulcers or rubbing Common at first Orthodontic wax and checking for sharp wires.
Gum irritation Common if cleaning is difficult Careful brushing, interdental brushes and hygiene visits.
Headaches or jaw tension Sometimes Usually settles after adjustments; ask your orthodontist if persistent.

Are Braces Bad For Your Teeth?

No, braces are not bad for your teeth when they are properly planned and monitored. The main risks usually come from poor oral hygiene, missed appointments, broken brackets or teeth moving faster than is biologically safe.

Braces apply controlled pressure to move teeth through the bone. This process is carefully managed by your orthodontist. Problems are more likely when plaque builds up around brackets or when treatment is not followed correctly.

Worth knowing: Braces do not usually damage healthy teeth. Good brushing, regular reviews and following your orthodontist’s advice make a major difference to treatment safety.

Can Braces Cause Permanent Side Effects?

Permanent side effects from braces are uncommon, but they can happen in some cases. This is why orthodontic treatment should be properly assessed, planned and reviewed throughout.

Possible Long-Term Issue What It Means How Risk Is Reduced
White marks on teeth Early enamel changes caused by plaque around brackets. Thorough brushing, fluoride toothpaste and hygiene visits.
Root resorption Small shortening of tooth roots during movement. Careful force control and orthodontic monitoring.
Gum recession Gums may recede if teeth move outside safe limits or gum health is poor. Assessment before treatment and good periodontal care.
Relapse after braces Teeth gradually move back after treatment. Wearing retainers as advised.

Can Braces Damage Teeth?

Braces themselves do not usually damage teeth, but poor cleaning around braces can lead to enamel marks, decay or gum inflammation. This is why oral hygiene becomes more important during orthodontic treatment.

Food and plaque can collect around brackets and wires. If plaque is left in place, it can cause white marks, cavities or gum swelling. These risks are preventable for most patients with the right cleaning routine.

  • Brush carefully around every bracket.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between teeth with interdental brushes or floss tools.
  • Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
  • See your dental hygienist during treatment if advised.

Can Braces Cause Headaches Or Jaw Pain?

Braces can sometimes cause temporary headaches, jaw tension or pressure after fitting or tightening appointments. This is usually linked to tooth movement and changes in the bite.

For most patients, this discomfort settles within a few days. If headaches are severe, persistent or linked with jaw locking, clicking or worsening pain, you should contact your orthodontist for advice.

Can Braces Cause Nerve Damage Or A Tooth To Die?

This is rare. Teeth contain nerves and blood vessels, and orthodontic movement can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity. In unusual cases, a tooth with previous trauma, deep decay or existing nerve problems may react poorly during treatment.

Your orthodontist will assess your teeth before treatment and monitor any concerning symptoms. Ongoing severe pain, darkening of a tooth or sensitivity that does not settle should always be checked.

Disadvantages Of Braces For Adults

Adults can achieve excellent orthodontic results, but there are some practical disadvantages to consider before treatment.

  • Treatment may take longer: Adult teeth and bone can respond more slowly than younger patients.
  • Gum health matters more: Existing gum recession or bone loss needs careful assessment.
  • Cleaning can be harder: Fixed braces require more detailed daily hygiene.
  • Appearance may be a concern: Some adults prefer ceramic braces or Invisalign for a more discreet option.
  • Retention is essential: Teeth can move again without retainers after treatment.

These disadvantages do not mean adults should avoid braces. They simply mean treatment should be planned properly around dental health, lifestyle and long-term stability.

How To Reduce Braces Side Effects

The best way to reduce side effects is to keep treatment controlled, clean and consistent.

What To Do Why It Helps
Attend adjustment appointments Keeps tooth movement monitored and controlled.
Keep braces clean Reduces plaque, gum swelling and enamel marks.
Use orthodontic wax Helps protect cheeks and lips from rubbing.
Avoid hard or sticky foods Reduces broken brackets and treatment delays.
Wear retainers after treatment Helps prevent teeth from shifting back.

Ask A Question

FAQs: Braces Side Effects

Patients often ask whether braces are harmful, whether they can damage teeth and which side effects are normal. These answers cover the most common concerns.

What Are The Side Effects Of Braces?

The most common side effects are sore teeth, pressure after tightening, ulcers, gum irritation, temporary headaches and difficulty cleaning around brackets.

Are Braces Bad For Your Teeth?

No, braces are not bad for your teeth when they are fitted and monitored correctly. The main risk is plaque build-up if cleaning around brackets is poor.

Do Braces Damage Teeth?

Braces do not usually damage teeth. However, plaque left around brackets can cause white marks, decay or gum problems.

Can Braces Cause Headaches?

Yes, braces can cause temporary headaches or pressure after adjustments. This usually settles within a few days.

Can Braces Cause Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage from braces is rare. Some temporary sensitivity can happen during tooth movement, but persistent or severe pain should be checked.

Do Braces Weaken Teeth?

Braces do not normally weaken teeth. Teeth may feel slightly loose during movement, but this is part of the orthodontic process and usually settles.

Can Braces Cause Bone Loss?

Braces do not usually cause bone loss in healthy patients. Existing gum disease or poor oral hygiene can increase risk, which is why dental health is assessed before treatment.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Braces For Adults?

Adult braces can require careful hygiene, regular appointments and sometimes longer treatment times. Some adults also prefer discreet options because of appearance concerns.

Can Braces Go Wrong?

Orthodontic treatment can have problems if it is poorly planned, poorly monitored or if retainers are not worn afterwards. Choosing an experienced orthodontist reduces this risk.

Are Braces Safe?

Yes, braces are generally safe when treatment is carried out by a qualified dental professional and reviewed regularly.

Worried About Braces Side Effects?

If you are considering braces but feel nervous about side effects, the best next step is a proper orthodontic assessment. At Whites Dental, we can explain your options, check your teeth and gums, and recommend a treatment plan based on your needs.

We offer braces in London, including metal braces, ceramic braces, Damon braces and Invisalign.

📍 Book a free consultation with Whites Dental and speak to a London orthodontist about safe, carefully planned braces treatment.

Book A Free Consultation

Whites Dental
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

Whites Dental (“we”, “us” or “our”) are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.

The practice respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy sets out how we will do this, taking into account data protection laws as well as our professional guidelines and requirements.

The data controller is Whites Dental; the Information Governance Lead is Deepa Chopra.

This Privacy Policy is available on the practice website at www.whitesdental.co.uk/privacy-policy, by email if you contact [email protected] or by calling the practice on 0204 527 3210.

This policy (together with our Cookies Policy) sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us. It does not include data where the identity has been removed (i.e. anonymous data).

Please read the following carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data and how we will treat it.

You will be asked to provide personal information when joining the practice. The purpose of us processing this data is to provide optimum health care to you by, for example, recommending the most relevant treatment and ensuring your safety by taking your medical history.

The categories of data we process

  • Contact data (such as name, address, email address, telephone number) for the purposes of corresponding with you, for example, regarding your appointments and treatment.
  • Contact data (such as name, address, email address, telephone number) for the purposes of direct mail/email/text/marketing.
  • Special category data concerning health (including health records, medical history, medication, your doctor’s name and address, warning cards or bracelets, alcohol and drug use) for the purposes of the delivery of safe health care.
  • Treatment data (such as photos, moulds, X-rays, clinical findings) for the purposes of providing you with the best treatment.
  • Financial data (such as credit card details, bank account information, credit history, employment status) for the purposes of processing your payment for treatment(s).
  • Usage data (such as information about how you use our website, products and services) for the purposes of improving the way we provide our treatment and services.

The ways we collect information about you

We may collect and process the following data about you in operating the website and performing any of our services and treatment(s):

Direct
  • Information you give us (including information you give to our Clinical Lead, Specialists, Dentists, Hygienists and Orthodontic Therapists who are contracted to work for us). You may give us information about you by filling in forms on our website www.whitesdental.co.uk or by corresponding with us by phone, email, in person or otherwise.
  • Personal data is obtained when a patient joins the practice, when a patient is referred to the practice and when a patient subscribes to an email list.
Automatic
  • Information we automatically collect about you. With regard to each of your visits to our website we may automatically collect the following information:
  • Technical information, including the internet protocol (IP) address used to connect your computer to the internet, your login information, browser type and version, time zone setting, browser plugin types and versions, operating system and platform; and
  • Information about your visit, including the full Uniform Resource Locators (URL) clickstream to, through and from our site (including date and time); products you viewed or searched for; page response times, download errors, length of visits to certain pages, page interaction information (such as scrolling, clicks, and mouseovers), and methods used to browse away from the page and any phone number used to call our customer service number.
From third parties
  • Our Clinical Lead, Specialists, Dentists, Hygienists and Orthodontic Therapists are third parties working for us as contractors, however, they are contractually bound to us with regard to obligations of confidentiality in the same way as our employees and by professional obligations of confidentiality.
  • You may have been referred to us for treatment from Invisalign and we will therefore receive contact data, special category data concerning health, treatment data and/or financial data from them.
  • Information we receive from other sources. We may receive information about you if you use any of the other websites we operate or the other services we provide.
  • We are also working closely with third parties (including, for example, business partners, subcontractors in technical, payment and delivery services, advertising networks, analytics providers, search information providers, credit reference agencies) and may receive information about you from them.
  • We use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to evaluate your use of the website, compile reports on activity, collect demographic data, analyze performance metrics, and collect and evaluate other information relating to our website and internet usage. These third parties use cookies and other technologies to help analyse and provide us with data.

How we share data with third parties

We may share your Contact data, special category of data relating to health, Financial data, Treatment data and/or Usage data with selected third parties including:

  • Our Clinical Lead, Specialists, Dentists, Hygienists and Orthodontic Therapists.
  • Private health insurance companies (at your request if you are using private health insurance).
  • Credit reference agencies.
  • Equipment providers and laboratories such as Align Tech, Nimrodental, and Ashford Orthodontics.
  • Professional compliance organisations such as BDA.
  • Data storage and transfer platforms such as Microsoft Sharepoint and Dropbox.
  • Our payment platform Natwest.
  • Our practice management and CRM software providers Pearl.
  • Our live chat provider Quriobot.
  • Advertisers and advertising networks that require the data to select and serve relevant adverts to you and others such as Facebook.
  • Analytics and search engine providers that assist us in the improvement and optimisation of our site such as Google.

This is a list of the main third parties with whom we share your personal data. If you would like a full list of third parties who process your data, and their contact details, please contact us using the details set out above.

We never pass your personal details to a third party unless we have a contract for them to process data on our behalf and will otherwise keep it confidential.

If we intend to refer a patient to another practitioner or to secondary care such as a hospital we will gain your consent before the referral is made and the personal data is shared.

The website may include links to third party websites, plugins and applications. Clicking on those links or enabling those connections may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these third party websites and are not responsible for their privacy statements. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy notice of every website you visit.

Data transferred outside the EU

  • Personal data is stored in the EU whether in digital or hard copy format.
  • Personal data is stored in the US in digital format when the data storage company is certified with the EU-US Privacy Shield.

Lawful basis for processing personal data

The lawful bases for processing personal data (including providing your personal data to third parties) are:

  • Consent of the data subject for data relating to treatment, care, our services, processing payment, credit checks, marketing and reviews, improving our services and improving our website (including using data analytics). This will also apply to the storage of personal data for these purposes.
  • Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with the data subject or to take steps to enter into a contract such as the provision of the services by us.
  • Processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation such as financial, tax and contractual laws.

For consent relating to children and people who may not have mental capacity to give consent, please contact us using the details above for a copy of our Safeguarding and Mental Capacity policies.

The reason for processing special category data such as patients’ health data is:

  • The processing is necessary for the purposes of preventative or occupational medicine, for assessing the working capacity of the employee, medical diagnosis, the provision of health or social care or treatment or management of health or social care systems and services on the basis of Union or Member State law or a contract with a health professional; and
  • Data is processed by or under the responsibility of a professional subject to the obligation of professional secrecy under Union or Member State law or rules established by national competent bodies or by another person also subject to an obligation of secrecy under Union or Member State law or rules established by national competent bodies.

Purposes for processing personal data

We (and the third parties listed above) process your personal data for the following purposes:

  • To provide you with our services.
  • To discuss relevant treatments.
  • To provide a safe working environment for staff, contractors and patients.
  • To check your employment and financial status for payment plans.
  • To process payments.
  • To keep you informed of our latest offers, other services we provide and general marketing activities.
  • To obtain reviews and feedback on your experience of our services.
  • To store our data.

If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us by using the details set out above.

Data retention

The retention period for special category data in patient records is a minimum of 10 years and may be longer for complex records in order to meet our legal requirements. The retention periods for other personal data is two years after it was last processed.

You will receive marketing emails until you unsubscribe, either by contacting us or by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email. For details of other retention periods please contact us using the details set out above.

Your personal data rights

You have the following personal data rights:

  • The right to be informed.
  • The right of access to your personal data, which enables you to receive a copy of the personal data we hold about you and to check that we are lawfully processing it.
  • The right to rectification of your personal data that you consider to be inaccurate. This enables you to have any incomplete or inaccurate data we hold about you corrected.
  • The right to erasure. This enables you to ask us to delete or remove your personal data (however clinical records must be retained for a certain time period).
  • The right to restrict processing. This gives you the option to ask us to suspend the processing of your personal data e.g. if you want us to establish the data’s accuracy or you do not want us to erase it.
  • The right to data portability. If you request us to do so, we will provide to you, or a third party of your choice, your personal data in a commonly used, machine-readable format.
  • The right to object. This enables you to object to the processing of your personal data if you feel it impacts on your fundamental rights and freedoms, however, in some cases, we may have compelling legitimate grounds to process your information which can override your right to object.
  • The right to request confirmation as to whether or not your personal data is being processed.
  • The right to not have a decision made about you based solely on automated processing.

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time. If you request us to do so, we will no longer process your data. However, this will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdraw your consent. If you withdraw your consent, we will not be able to provide you with the services. You have the right to obtain a free copy of your patient records within one month of submitting a request.

If you are not a patient of the practice you have the right to withdraw consent for processing personal data, to have a free copy of it within one month of submitting a request, to correct errors in it or to ask us to delete it. You can also withdraw consent from communication methods such as telephone, email or text.

We have carried out a Privacy Impact Assessment and if you would like a copy please contact us using the details set out above.

If you wish to exercise any of the rights set out above, in the first instance, please contact us using the details set out above.

You will not have to pay a fee to access your personal data (or to exercise any of the other rights). However, we may charge a reasonable fee if your request is clearly unfounded, repetitive or excessive. Alternatively, we may refuse to comply with your request in these circumstances.

We may need to request specific information from you to help us confirm your identity and ensure your right to access your personal data (or to exercise any of your other rights). This is a security measure to ensure that personal data is not disclosed to any person who has no right to receive it. We may also contact you to ask you for further information in relation to your request to speed up our response.

Further details of these rights can be obtained on the Information Commissioner’s website.

Data security

We have put in place appropriate security measures to prevent your personal data from being lost, used or accessed in an unauthorised way, altered or disclosed. In addition, we limit access to your personal data to those employees, agents, contractors and other third parties who have a business need to know. They will only process your personal data on our instructions and they are subject to a duty of confidentiality.

We have put in place procedures to deal with any suspected personal data breach and will notify you and any applicable regulator of a breach where we are legally required to do so.

Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. Although we will do our best to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted through our website; any transmission is at your own risk. Once we have received your information, we will use strict procedures and security features to try to prevent unauthorised access.

Comments, suggestions and complaints

Please contact the practice for a comment, suggestion or a complaint about your data processing at [email protected], or 0204 527 3210 or by writing to or visiting the practice. We take complaints very seriously.

If you are unhappy with our response or if you need any advice you should contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Their telephone number is 0303 123 1113, you can also find other contact options here. The ICO can investigate your claim and take action against anyone who’s misused personal data. You can also visit their website for information on how to make a data protection complaint.

Marketing by us

We offer individuals real choice and control. Our consent procedures put individuals in charge to build customer trust and engagement.

Our consent for marketing requires a positive opt-in, we don’t use pre-ticked boxes or any other method of default consent. We make it easy for people to withdraw consent, tell you how to and keep contemporaneous evidence of consent. Consent to marketing is never a precondition of a service.

You will receive marketing communications from us if you have requested information from us or if you have signed up via our contact form on the website and, in each case, you have not opted out of receiving that marketing.

Marketing by third parties

We do not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.

Opting out

Where you opt-out of receiving these marketing messages, this means that you may not receive messages relating to your appointments or treatment so please let us know by using the details set out above if you would like to continue to receive messages about your appointments and treatment.