Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile. It’s natural to wonder about any potential side effects that you may experience during orthodontic treatment. The good news is that while there are some side effects associated with braces, they are generally minor and short-lasting.
The benefits of improved bite and tooth alignment far outweigh any discomfort or inconvenience. Our orthodontists explore the five most common side effects of braces. They explain why they are just a small part of your journey toward a beautiful smile.
Braces can cause discomfort when first put or shortly following an adjustment.
Braces rely on pressure to reposition your teeth into their optimal position. This pressure affects your teeth and the surrounding tissues. As your teeth move, the related tissues may stretch or compress causing soreness and inflammation.
You usually experience discomfort when the orthodontist first puts on your braces and after an adjustment. The discomfort generally resolves in 2-3 days and tends to reduce in severity throughout treatment.
Braces can irritate the soft tissues of the gums and cheeks. This is generally mild, easy to treat and easy to prevent. Orthodontic wax is perfect for any sharp corners that cause discomfort.
Most patients find the discomfort reduces significantly with time. If you have sensitive cheeks and lips, you can use orthodontic wax throughout your treatment as needed.
If you experience bleeding from your gums, it’s best to see your orthodontist as it could indicate the presence of gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease can progress and cause long-term damage to your oral health.
Keeping your treatment on track is easy with a few simple lifestyle updates. Apart from obvious recommendations such as avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco, our orthodontists recommend choosing softer foods.
Pasta, yoghurt and cooked vegetables are easier to chew and less likely to damage your braces. They also recommend avoiding foods that are hard, sticky or chewy. Nuts, popcorn, caramel, toffee and ice are best left until after treatment.
You may experience some difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds once your braces are on. Our orthodontists find most patients adapt quickly and can speak just as clearly as they did prior to getting braces.
Oral hygiene is crucial as braces and wires can trap food particles. The brackets and wires create areas that are harder to reach and need thorough cleaning. Without proper care, plaque can build up around the braces, leading to cavities, inflamed gums, and even staining or white spots on your teeth.
Maintaining your oral health with daily brushing, and flossing helps keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. This ensures that when the braces come off, your teeth are not only straight but also clean and healthy.
Teeth relapse occurs when teeth shift back to their original positions following orthodontic treatment. The most common cause of relapse is retainers not being worn as instructed by your orthodontist.
Your retainer’s only goal is to retain your teeth in their optimal position. When it’s not worn, you risk undoing all the improvements achieved during treatment. In severe cases of relapse, your orthodontist may recommend additional to correct the shifting.
MP Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice based in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Working from the belief that orthodontic treatment is much more than working with teeth and creating smiles, treating orthodontists – Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall – approach patients as people first. Their approach is to work together and plan and implement treatment that meets each individual’s needs. Drawing on 30-plus years of experience in helping children gain confidence through tailored treatment, MP Orthodontics is a truly unique orthodontic practice.
Book a consultation with MP Orthodontics to begin your orthodontic journey.
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
