Although orthodontics is the best way to deal with malocclusion due to a high success rate, there are a few cases where some complications interfere with the treatment process. Here are some of those complications and how to lessen the chance of them happening:
Gum Disease
Some people get gum disease and tooth decay during their orthodontic treatment. This is not because orthodontic treatment causes gum disease, but it is attributed to the difficulty of maintaining clean teeth or mouth during the treatment period. For one, braces trap bits of food between them and the teeth. Secondly, it is difficult to reach some corners of the mouth with a dental brush or floss if you have braces on. You need to be extra keen when brushing and flossing if you want to avoid this complication.
Allergic Reactions
It is possible, though rare, for orthodontic patients to develop allergic reactions. You may develop such reactions if you are allergic to the materials, typically the metal or latex, used to fabricate your braces. This is why you should inform your dentist about all your allergies before the treatment. The dentist can then use braces that don't contain the materials to which you are allergic.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Most people experience minor discomfort in their mouth when they first get their braces. This is normal and to be expected because you are installing a foreign object in your mouth. The discomfort or pain should go away after some time as you get used to the treatment. However, for some people, the discomfort or pain doesn't go away. This may be the case if the braces are scratching your oral tissues, and you may even develop mouth sores or cankers. Consult your dentist if the issue persists; it might mean that your braces need to be adjusted.
Teeth Wear
Lastly, you may also experience teeth wear or demineralization once your orthodontic treatment is underway. This is what happens when the orthodontic appliances rub against your teeth and wear away some of the enamel. It can also be caused by dental decay triggered by the difficulty of keeping the mouth perfectly clean during orthodontic treatment. This means you have a high risk of demineralization if you eat a lot of sugar because that is what feeds the bacteria in your mouth.
Inform your dentist as soon as you suspect your orthodontic treatment is developing complications. The complications don't mean that you should stop the treatment, but you may need an intervention from the dentist to help you cope with them.
Share7 September 2018
Hi, my name is Kevin Nelson and I want to tell you about my experience. I had a painful tooth so I went to see my dentist. After the examination, he said that I needed to have a root canal to save the tooth. I told the dentist to just pull the tooth instead and then he explained why that wasn't a good idea. He said that pulling the tooth would cause additional problems and then he told me what could happen. I didn't want any more problems, so the dentist did the root canal and I'm glad that he did. I wanted to write a blog to tell others about the benefits of a root canal and what to expect during the procedure. I hope that by getting the word out, other people won't make the same mistake that I almost did by getting a perfectly good tooth pulled.