Common Issues You Might Face with Traditional Braces

While traditional braces effectively correct misaligned teeth and improve your smile, they can come with a few common issues.

This article will outline the top three common problems you may encounter with traditional metal braces. We will also offer effective tips to help you combat them and ensure that your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly. Let’s begin.

Inflamed gums, mouth irritation, and tooth sensitivity

Traditional braces can make maintaining good oral hygiene challenging, leading to plaque and bacteria buildup around the braces and on the teeth. This can cause common issues such as inflamed gums, mouth irritation, and tooth sensitivity during orthodontic treatment.

If left untreated, these issues can worsen and lead to severe dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay. Therefore, it is essential to manage these issues promptly to prevent long-term damage to your teeth and gums.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial to prevent these issues. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Additionally, avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that cause plaque buildup.

If you are experiencing inflamed gums, mouth irritation, or tooth sensitivity, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently. Use orthodontic wax to prevent the brackets and wires from rubbing against the inside of your mouth. Additionally, use a desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride rinse to alleviate tooth sensitivity.

Loose bracket or broken wire

Orthodontic treatment with traditional braces may encounter a common problem – a loose bracket or broken wire. This could happen due to reasons such as eating hard or sticky foods, playing contact sports without a mouth guard, or insufficient care.

Ignoring a loose bracket or broken wire could lead to longer treatment time, discomfort, and potential damage to teeth or gums. Therefore, addressing the issue promptly is crucial to prevent further complications.

In order to avoid loose brackets or broken wires, it’s essential to follow the orthodontist’s care and maintenance instructions. This includes avoiding specific foods, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and keeping braces and teeth clean.

If you observe a loose bracket or broken wire, contacting your orthodontist right away is vital. In the meantime, it is recommended to use orthodontic wax. A small amount can be placed to cover the bracket or wire to prevent additional irritation or discomfort. Your orthodontist will fix the issue and ensure your treatment is on track.

Cavities and gum disease

Cavities and gum disease are oral health issues caused by plaque buildup on teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. It produces acid that can erode the enamel and cause cavities. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. It can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and, eventually, tooth loss.

If left unmanaged, cavities and gum disease can lead to severe oral health problems, including tooth loss and surrounding bone and tissue damage. Gum disease has also been linked to systemic health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is recommended to prevent cavities and gum disease. A balanced diet is always suggested; preferably, a low-sugar diet is essential. A diet or supplementing with calcium and vitamin D can also help keep teeth and gums healthy. When it comes to dietary changes, be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner.

If you do develop cavities or gum disease, prompt treatment is essential to prevent further damage. Treatment may include fillings for cavities, scaling, root planing for gum disease, and other procedures to repair or replace damaged teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific oral health needs.

Orthodontics for all ages is possible thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology. Patients can benefit from orthodontic treatment, regardless of their lifestyle or profession.

While traditional metal braces remain a popular option, alternatives, such as clear aligners or lingual braces, offer more discreet options for adults.

With our solutions to common issues with traditional braces, anyone can achieve a straight, healthy smile. Don’t let age hold you back from pursuing orthodontic treatment. Consult with your orthodontist today and discover the options available for you.