Braces are the tried-and-true solution for repositioning gapped or overcrowded teeth and malocclusions (bite misalignment) because they have a long history of successfully straightening smiles. Whether you have a mildly crooked grin or your condition is more severe, your dentist can use this method to enhance your appearance while preserving your dental health.
However, that doesn’t mean that patients with braces never have any problems with their treatment. As effective as traditional orthodontics are, they are equally as notorious for causing certain issues. Continue reading to learn more about 3 common concerns and what you can do about them!
Complication #1: Broken Wires
The metal brackets bonded to your teeth don’t exert pressure by themselves. The force it takes to shift them to their ideal placements is generated by the archwire that’s threaded through them. Your provider adjusts this metal cord at your follow-up appointments to ensure that enough pressure is still being applied to continue moving your pearly whites as intended.
Unfortunately, these wires are known to snap, and the loose ends can poke painfully at the tender tissues inside your mouth. Not only that, but the sudden change in the pressure on your teeth can cause additional throbbing. If you notice a loose or damaged wire, contact your dentist to let them know, and then try covering the sharp ends with orthodontic wax to protect your mouth.
Complication #2: Demineralization
Having braces bonded to your teeth means that you won’t have to worry about inserting or removing additional oral appliances like with some alternative orthodontic treatments. However, you might be surprised to see white splotches on your teeth once the brackets are finally removed.
This discoloration is due to a process called demineralization. It happens when you eat acidic foods that work in tandem with bacteria in your mouth to break down your enamel. It tends to happen more with braces because it’s difficult to thoroughly clean all the nooks and crannies of the metal brackets. You can prevent it by maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine of thoroughly brushing and flossing twice daily. It might help to use an interproximal brush designed to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
Complication #3: Loose Bracket
Another problem that many patients will encounter with traditional orthodontics is loose brackets. Your braces are secured to your enamel using a special dental glue that’s comprised of light-cured composite resin. If you eat overly acidic foods or drink alcohol, you could damage this adhesive and end up with a wiggling bracket. It’s also possible to loosen one by biting into or chewing anything overly hard or sticky, like candy, popcorn, nuts, or raw fruits and veggies.
A destabilized bracket impacts the force exerted by the archwire, potentially delaying your treatment timeline. Contact your dentist right away so they can recement it in place. In the meantime, you can anchor it with a small amount of orthodontic wax.
You’re not the first to run into these common issues with braces, but now you have a better idea of handling them!
About the Author
Dr. Jenny Hong takes pride in helping families improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Toronto and then underwent a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Temple University. Now, she combines art, science, and compassion to offer a full array of world-class services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, including braces. You can request an appointment on the website or call (408) 763-3008.