Do Braces Have Side Effects? (What your not always told)

Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by Gio Greenard

Your mouth and oral health change drastically when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces can cause many issues if not used in the proper way. But these issues are manageable and can be controlled when you know-how. In this post, we’ll take you through the side effects of braces treatment. Let’s get going.

The Most Common Side Effects of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience. Your teeth are moving into different places, which may cause some minor discomfort at first but is necessary for healthy alignment of the jawline.

Your orthodontist will recommend OTC drugs like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help alleviate any aches/headaches associated with orthodontic treatment.

Jaw Pains 

Jaw pains are common during treatment. Traditional braces are often very uncomfortable to wear. Discomfort may be an intense jaw pain after tightening. However, this only lasts during and after tightening appointments sessions. As they’re moving teeth which cause tightness in our jaws. 

Bleeding

The newcomers in your mouth will come as a surprise at first. For both you and those close to you who have never experienced braces before. Traditional metal brackets can cut through gums and cheeks alike. But, there are products out there catering to these pains specifically for this purpose.  

One great way to combat bleeding gums is DENTAL WAX. You place a bit on the end of the wires and they protect the gums from the wire sticking into the surfaces of the gums. It is an effective method to prevent and remedy bleeding. You can buy this product in most pharmacies and online. 

Eating Habits

Wearing braces will change the way you eat in no uncertain terms. If you are wearing traditional metal and wire braces then this is absolute. You will need to completely change the way you eat. For example, NO hard foods and toffees. Crunchy stuff is out as is chewing gum. 

Those undergoing aligner treatment will need to change their habits less. Just a transition to soft foods is needed. It is said by some undergoing treatment that losing weight because of the inability to eat anything is a bonus.  

Serious Side Effects

Here we will get into the more serious effects of orthodontic treatment. Before embarking on orthodontic treatment the following should be considered.

Decalcification

Decalcification is the result of poor oral health. It is a white marking on the tooth with the bracket. Cavities are common from this.  Proper oral health behavior will defeat the negative effects of braces treatment. Cutting out sugar will help avoid this issue. 

Relapse

If you complete treatment and do not follow your provider’s instruction and wear the retainer a relapse will happen. Relapse is when the teeth start to move back to the original position they were in before treatment. 

Relapse is easy and you must prevent it or your money, time and the expertise of the provider will be wasted. 

Bad Oral Hygiene 

A tooth’s life depends on keeping it clean. Without proper hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can cause cavities and holes to form that lead to dental caries (tooth decay.) This is why brushing twice a day is essential. While we know flossing may sound tedious at first, just think about what would happen if you didn’t take care of those little spaces between our teeth? 

It is important to know, a decayed or dead tooth will delay treatment and should be avoided at all costs.

Allergies

In some instances, allergic reactions may occur. For example, latex is the most common. The rubber bands may cause a reaction. Also, the metal wires can affect the inside of a mouth. You should be mindful of any possible allergies and alert your provider before treatment. 

In which case, there are materials in use that cater to those allergic reactions. Latex-free rubber can be used.

Root Resorption

It is normal for root resorption to occur during treatment. The actual resorption is minuscule and is no problem. Your provider will have assessed this possibility before treatment starts. The reason for root resorption is unknown. Any treatment over 3 years will see this issue in a more acute manner. 

Conclusion

Keeping on top of the effects of braces while undergoing treatment is a MUST. The above is a rough guide on what to expect in real terms. You can get all the information from Dr. Panucci at Beach Braces. 

They have the experience and dedication to give you and your child the best possible service. If you have any further questions you can contact us TODAY. 

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.