Disadvantages of orthodontics
Although most orthodontic patients do not suffer from major adverse effects related to it, every patient who is about to undergo orthodontics must be informed of all the negative effects that may result from it.
the pain
The pain and discomfort caused by braces are among the most prominent concerns for patients after their fear of the general appearance if the braces are metal. Fortunately, the pain does not accompany the patient throughout the treatment period, and it is not as bad as the person imagines. In fact, the patient feels pain in the gums and teeth at first when the braces are installed, and every time the doctor tightens the braces wires. In general, the feeling of pain and discomfort disappears within a few days. To help with this, some instructions can be followed that will reduce the feeling of pain:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Applying a local anesthetic to the gums, using a finger or cotton.
- Apply an ice pack covered with a cloth to the face.
- Eat soft foods that do not require effort when chewing, such as soup, yogurt, or ice cream.
- Gargle with a saline solution made from a teaspoon of salt added to a cup of warm water.
- Excessive consumption of cold drinks or foods.
- Avoid sticky foods that may stick to the braces or dislodge them, such as gum.
- Clean your teeth and the spaces between braces and dental braces well to avoid cavities.
Scratches and ulcers
It is normal for the patient to feel small scratches and some ulcers inside the mouth when installing the braces, especially if the braces are fixed with clips. This usually lasts for a few days until the mouth gets used to the presence of the braces and their shape. This problem can be overcome by using orthodontic wax, which is the easiest and fastest way to protect the mouth from ulcers and scratches during the first stages after installing the braces.
tooth decay
The mouth contains millions of bacteria that stick to the surfaces of the teeth and mucous tissues. It is noted that some types of these bacteria have the ability to produce acids from the sugars that a person eats. Therefore, consuming too much sugar increases the production of these acids and thus the development of tooth decay. In the case of fixed braces, cleaning the teeth becomes more difficult and the number of bacteria in the mouth may increase, which makes the teeth more susceptible to decay if they are not cleaned properly, especially around the orthodontic attachments. The process of removing tartar with braces results in the appearance of signs of decay on the front surfaces of the teeth, which can reduce the desired aesthetic result of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the orthodontist monitors the patient's care for his teeth during the treatment phase, and provides him with the necessary advice to improve dental care to avoid decay and other problems that may occur. We mention the following tips:
- Avoid eating foods and drinking liquids that contain sugars during the period between main meals. The goal here is to reduce the number of times you eat sugars more than reducing the quantity; eating a certain amount of chocolate once instead of eating it in small quantities over several times is considered less harmful.
- Keep your teeth clean by brushing them at least twice a day. It is also recommended to take a toothbrush to work or school to quickly clean your teeth between meals, and to use disclosing tablets that show areas of the mouth that have not been cleaned well.
- Use a toothpaste that contains at least 1450 parts per million of fluoride, due to its ability to strengthen the enamel layer of the teeth. As for children, the toothpaste used for them should contain a smaller amount of fluoride.
- Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride. It is recommended to use it daily. You must check the label on the package, as fluoride is not available in all types of mouthwash. Children should avoid using mouthwash.
Gum problems
Maintaining oral health is important for everyone, but it is especially important for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Therefore, not taking care of your teeth can lead to gingivitis and infections that slow down the movement of your teeth, which in turn prolongs the period of orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, gum infection is so severe that it causes permanent damage to the tissues that support your teeth. Therefore, patients with orthodontics should maintain good oral and dental health, follow their doctor's instructions to reduce the occurrence of gum infection, and have regular cleaning sessions with their doctor.
White spots on teeth surfaces
White spots appear around orthodontic brackets if you neglect to clean your teeth for a long period of time. Harmful bacteria in the mouth break down food residue and produce acids that strip minerals from the enamel layer of your teeth in a process known as demineralization, causing erosion of this layer. These spots are considered the stage that precedes tooth decay. In some cases, these spots may appear despite following your dentist's advice regarding dental care and undergoing frequent cleaning sessions. In this case, your dentist may end orthodontic treatment prematurely because the primary goal is healthy teeth before perfect alignment.
Short or resorption of tooth roots
Charlie Horses are caused by the tightness that braces create around the base of each tooth to move it into its correct position. The pressure generated causes enzymes to be released that dissolve bone from its positions and build new bone wherever possible. In addition, the pressure on the teeth causes the periodontal membrane around the lower parts of the teeth to expand, so it expands on one side and relaxes on the other side. This in turn moves the tooth towards its new position and then builds new bone near the tooth to stabilize and support it in what is known as bone remodeling. It is worth noting that these processes are considered natural and necessary to complete the goal of orthodontics, but over time they may negatively affect the length of the tooth roots due to the successive processes of dissolving and rebuilding the bone.
Root shortening, also known as root resorption, occurs with almost every orthodontic tooth movement. In most cases, it is slight and difficult to notice on X-rays, and in some cases it is severe enough to cause loosening or complete loss of teeth. Although there are hypotheses that explain why some patients have shorter roots than others, there is no effective way to predict the extent of this occurrence. Root resorption may run in families, so the doctor should take the genetic predisposition into account when deciding on orthodontic treatment. The patient should also undergo regular x-rays to monitor the overall development of the condition and detect orthodontic problems, if any.
Information about orthodontics
Orthodontics is a treatment that involves moving or straightening teeth to improve their appearance and function, including distributing the force of the bite on all teeth, thus maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and jaw joints. Correcting crowding and crooked teeth not only beautifies their appearance, but also facilitates the process of cleaning them. Orthodontics also contributes to treating some breathing, chewing, and speaking problems. It is worth noting that it may be an expensive treatment, and orthodontic treatment takes a long period of time, and the patient needs some time to get used to the presence of the braces and master how to take care of them.
