Common Disadvantages of Wearing Braces

Braces are one of the most popular ways of straightening the teeth and perfecting one’s smile and rightfully so. They have proven to be highly effective in attaining spectacular results. That being said, there are pros and cons to any medical treatment and braces are no different. In this blog, let us explore some of the common braces side effects that you must know if you are getting braces.

9 Common Side Effects of Wearing Braces

1. Pain

One of the most common teeth brace side effects is pain and discomfort. Braces involve the use of metal wires to bind the teeth together and gradually shift them into their correct positions. These mental wires are fixed on each tooth using brackets. Brackets and wires can hurt the skin inside the mouth as well as the gums. While most people handle it well, some people might experience mild to severe pain.

2. Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene

The struggle to maintain good oral hygiene is real once you get braces. Your brushing pattern will change. You might not be able to brush as satisfactorily as you used to. Flossing can also become challenging as there is a risk of the thread getting stuck between the metal brackets. With oral hygiene taking a toll, there can be a plaque or tartar build-up. This increase in plaque can cause:

White spots: White spots may appear on the surface of your teeth when the plaque bacteria consume the minerals in the enamel (the outer hard layer of the teeth). It is also called demineralization.

Cavities: The increase in plaque can also lead to small holes, also known as cavities, which may require medical attention.

Loss of tooth: The pressure while setting up the wires and brackets may affect the pulp and cause inflammation. In rare cases, if this pressure is too much, it can lead to pulp damage or even tooth loss.

3. Food restrictions

Yup, bummer alert! One of the major teeth brace side effects is that you can no longer eat some of your favourite foods, if they are hard to chew, once you get braces as there are certain food restrictions for braces that must be followed. Popcorn, candies and other hard-to-chew food are off the list until the end of the treatment.

4. Root resorption

Root resorption means shortening of the roots temporarily. For the time that one has their braces on, they can experience the shortening of almost half of their roots. However, this condition is temporary as the root goes back to its normal state once the braces are removed.

5. Speech difficulties

One of the biggest brace's side effects is that you will not be able to move your mouth comfortably till the treatment continues. This can make it harder to pronounce certain words, resulting in speech difficulties like lisping.

6. Jaw pain

Pain in the jaw is another common disadvantage of braces. Braces work by slowly shifting your teeth into desired positions. This can cause pain in the jaw and gums. This usually happens during the initial stage when you are still getting used to wearing braces.

7. Allergy

Although not very common, the risk of allergic reactions is one of the brace's disadvantages. The rubber used to bind the metal wires and brackets may cause allergic reactions to the gums or the cheeks.

8. Relapsed teeth

Relapsing, as the name suggests, is when the teeth shift back to their original positions after the treatment is complete. This can indicate a partial or complete reversal of the orthodontic treatment. However, this can be prevented with the help of aligners. The patient might be advised to wear aligners to keep their newly positioned teeth intact for a long time.

9. Cuts and sores

The constant rubbing of metal wires and brackets against the inside of your mouth can lead to painful sores and cuts. This is the braces disadvantage that needs aftercare and special attention.

makeO toothsi clear aligners- Your best alternative to painful braces

Clear aligners, unlike traditional braces, are pain-free and virtually invisible. No kidding. We call them the best-kept secret cause no one will notice that you are wearing them. And also no food restrictions! You can wear and remove your clear aligners whenever you want. They’ll let you be the boss of your smile makeover journey.

And if you are looking for a pocket-friendly + trustable brand, makeO toothsi has everything you need to get that desired smile!

Final Takeaway

Teeth straightening does not have to be an uncomfortable process anymore. With makeO toothsi, you get everything you need (comfort, convenience, and care) to get that beautiful smile. Take the route that’s most comfortable for you and get that smile you always wanted.

FAQs

What are the food restrictions after wearing braces?

You will need to stay away from crunchy foods like popcorn, wafers and ice and sticky foods like chewing gum, candies and caramel. You should also avoid hard foods like nuts, corn cobs, apples and carrots.

Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice. Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum. Hard foods — nuts, hard candies. Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots.

Can you eat pizza with braces?

You can enjoy a pizza as long as you stay away from the crust and toppings that are too tough to bite, sticky or stringy.

Does the shape of the face change after braces?

Yes, the shape of your jawline, chin, mouth and even lips can change after wearing braces.

What happens if you have tooth decay with braces?

If you develop a cavity while wearing braces, the dentist will remove the wire on the affected tooth. It will be reattached later when the filling is complete.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Clear aligners are preferred by working professionals over braces any day. They are more comfortable, better for oral hygiene and virtually invisible.