The Most Common Problems with Braces

The Most Common Problems with Braces 1

The Most Common Problems with Braces 2

Braces: An Introduction

Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. Most people wear braces for one to two years, during which they visit their orthodontist every six weeks to adjust the braces. Braces use brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by wires which apply pressure to move the teeth into their proper position. The braces apply constant pressure that gradually moves the teeth over time. While wearing braces is a beneficial treatment, there are problems that may occur during the process.

Problem 1: Discomfort and Pain

Most patients experience some level of discomfort or pain during the beginning stages of treatments. The pain is typically caused by braces putting pressure on the teeth which can lead to soreness in the mouth or gums. In some cases, the discomfort may be so intense that patients find it hard to eat or sleep. Most orthodontists recommend over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it’s always best to consult your orthodontist when experiencing pain so that they can check your braces and advise you further.

Problem 2: Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are another common problem associated with braces. The presence of the brackets and wires in the mouth can cause these sores. Sores may appear on the cheeks, tongue, or lips. Over-the-counter dental wax or other similar products that protect the braces from rubbing against the cheeks can alleviate this issue. Orthodontists also recommend using a warm salt water rinse to cleanse the area and reduce the risk of infection.

Problem 3: Broken or Loose Braces

A common problem that patients face during treatment is broken or loose braces. The brackets and wires can easily be broken while eating or during an activity like sports. Alternatively, patients may have a loose bracket which can move around the mouth and cause discomfort. Broken or loose braces require immediate attention from an orthodontist. While waiting for an appointment, patients should cover the broken bracket with dental wax to avoid discomfort or injury.

Problem 4: Food Getting Stuck in the Braces

Food getting stuck in the braces is something most patients have faced at least once during treatment. Food can easily get caught between the wires and teeth making it difficult to remove with just brushing. In extreme cases, it may lead to an infection in your gums. Patients should use Threader Floss, which is specially designed for braces, to help remove any food stuck in the brackets and wires. Additionally, patients may want to avoid eating sticky foods such as gum or candy, that can damage the braces.

Problem 5: Discoloration of Teeth

Applying braces to the teeth may cause some discoloration. While this is not a common problem, it can still happen. The discoloration is typically caused by poor oral hygiene or from eating foods that cause staining. Patients should follow good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing at least twice a day to avoid discoloration. Patients must be careful about what they eat and drink, particularly during treatment, as certain foods and drinks can cause discoloration or stains. Round out your educational journey by visiting this suggested external source. In it, you’ll find valuable and additional information to broaden your knowledge of the subject. homedentalblog.com.hk, check it out!

Conclusion

Braces provide an effective way to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. While the end result is often a beautiful smile, braces come with their share of problems. The discomfort and pain are inevitable during the treatment process, but the pain can be alleviated with medication. Broken or loose braces require an immediate visit to an orthodontist. Patients should follow good oral hygiene practices and carefully monitor their diets to avoid discoloration or breakages in the braces. Armed with knowledge about the most common problems, patients can have a successful braces treatment with minimal discomfort.

Explore other aspects of the topic in the related links we recommend:

Learn from this related study

Verify this interesting page