Getting proper orthodontics is an essential part of maintaining your good oral health. The truth of the matter is that there is no type of medical treatment that carries along zero risks. Although sometimes risks can be mitigated to the best degree possible, there is always some chance that something may not go as planned or that you may be a bad candidate for getting braces. You may wonder what are some of the potential side effects of getting braces and how can you know if you’re a good candidate or not?
Teeth Braces Side Effects
Before we start, it’s always important to check in with the experts in orthodontic care in medicine. Seeing what experts on the topic have to say can help give us a good indication of the kind of gravity of the situation and how important it is to make sure that we get our orthodontic care done right.
Orthodontic treatment may result in a number of adverse effects (Talic NF, 2011). These can range in severity, but it should also be noted that these are rare.
These side effects can include root resorption, pain, pulpal changes, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular dysfunction (Talic NF, 2011). These are some terms that may sound scary, but basically they mean the roots might dissolve or the interior of the teeth may change. The TMJ is the main joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull. Pain in this joint can be caused by a misaligned jaw, but it can also result from braces that are causing issues.
Risk factors that influence the risk of root resorption include the duration of orthodontic treatment, the length and shape of the root, trauma history, habits, and genetic predisposition (Talic NF, 2011). You can also experience teeth braces side effects of braces when using mouth spacer gum or the braces themselves.
As we can see, it is possible for there to be side effects when receiving orthodontic care and correction. But what are some of the more specific types of side effects or preconditions that would make people be bad candidates for getting braces?
Gum for braces
When looking at getting braces, there are a couple things to bear in mind that might occur when getting orthodontic care. One is how it may affect braces receding gums. Having any kind of stress applied to your teeth can occasionally be a contributing factor in receding gums. While receding gums are not always serious, it can become significant if the roots of your teeth begin to get exposed as this can lead to a whole host of other dental issues.
Not only is it unsightly but receding gums are also incredibly difficult to treat if they become serious. Treating receding gums may require such things as getting skin grafts onto the gum from other parts of your mouth, particularly the upper palate.
Braces Can Actually Be Bad For Your Teeth Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Mouth spacer gum
Another potential issue that might affect the gums when getting braces installed is if you have already been using a mouth spacer. A mouth spacer, like braces, also puts a stress on the teeth and anytime significant stress is put on the teeth it can have a negative impact on the gums as well. Some spacers are poorly designed and they’re actually affecting the gums directly which can lead to gum problems even before braces are installed. For individuals who have been using spacers, it is important to make sure that you get this double checked with your orthodontic office to ensure that your orthodontic treatment will continue without any delay or problems that might arise from having utilized spacers previously.
Gum disease braces
Gum disease is another possible side effect that may occur as a result of any braces. As mentioned before, braces can put stress on the teeth, can occasionally cause receding gums, can cause plaque buildup, and all these things, especially all these things combined, can increase the chance of getting gum disease.
This can be scary for individuals; however, the good news is that under proper orthodontic care, it is unlikely to get any of these much less all of them simultaneously. Regular visits with your orthodontic office are the best way of protecting yourself against any unforeseen problems that might occur during your orthodontic treatment.
Gum recession braces
Gum recession is something that might keep you from getting braces in the first place, though. Not only can braces occasionally cause receding gums, depending on the manner in which they are put in, how you’re taking care of your braces, and a whole host of other factors that may affect receding gums, but if you’re having receding gums or weakened teeth, it can also preclude you from getting orthodontics in the first place.
The fact of the matter is that not everybody is a good candidate for getting braces, particularly those who are already having significant orthodontic issues, especially issues that may affect the strength of their teeth. Conditions like gum disease can cause exposed roots, extreme tooth sensitivity, and weakened teeth. With the stress and strain of applying braces as a part of the corrective orthodontic treatment, if teeth are already weakened especially at the roots then braces may not be a viable option as it could cause more harm than good.
If braces receding gums, should I get braces then?
So if you have some oral health concerns, should you get braces? The answer of course is an unequivocal maybe. The fact of the matter is that you will need to speak with your orthodontic office to find that if you are a good candidate for braces.
Although any complications when it comes to orthodontic treatment are incredibly rare, especially with high-quality orthodontic offices regularly checking up on you and your treatment to make sure that everything is continuing as it should, not everybody is a good candidate, and some individuals may have higher risk factors than others.
The only way to know whether braces will be the best orthodontic option for you is to have a free consultation with your local orthodontic office to speak with them about your needs and whether getting braces is a good idea for you to help meet your oral health care goals.
Summary:
Many people understand that braces are useful for straightening teeth. The advantages such as improved confidence and improved oral health are the ones mostly talked about. However, there are certain risks and adverse effects that should be considered when it comes to straightening your teeth with braces.
Any orthodontist will tell you that you may experience some discomfort with your braces, and that can be expected as your braces help move your teeth into the correct alignment. If, however, you begin to experience more sinister symptoms, you should let the orthodontist know as soon as possible as something else could be at play.
Additionally, you may also experience some irritation when you initially start wearing your braces as your mouth and lips are getting used to the feeling of brackets and wires in your mouth. Some other side effects can include jaw pain and some difficulty chewing and eating; these are all usual side effects of braces and in general are nothing to worry about. However, if you feel the side effects are getting worse then you should contact your orthodontist near me.
Some people may experience unusual side effects from wearing braces that should not be left alone. These include tooth decay which can be a result of poor hygiene. You may also experience decalcification of your teeth which in simplest terms means that the white spots on your teeth can be a side effect from braces. Furthermore, some people may experience allergic reactions to the metal, and like the above, this should be taken seriously.
Reference:
Talic N. F. (2011). Adverse effects of orthodontic treatment: A clinical perspective. The Saudi dental journal, 23(2), 55–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2011.01.003
