What are the Negative Effects of Braces?

What is the Best Age for Braces?

While there are some exceptions, most orthodontic patients begin treatment between the ages of 7 and 12. Children under the age of seven generally have very small mouths and may not be able to wear braces comfortably. Additionally, children under seven rarely have sufficient room for their permanent teeth to erupt correctly into place without interference from existing teeth or dental appliances like braces or retainers.

Do Braces Affect Your Brain?

A common myth about braces is that they affect your brain development. While many believe that wearing braces interferes with their learning ability, there is no evidence to support this claim. You may feel uncomfortable and have self-esteem problems, but the braces do not affect your neurological part.

Do Braces Have a Negative Effect?

There are a few negative effects of braces, and they include:

• Discomfort after the braces are put on

When your braces are put on, you may experience slight discomfort in your teeth. It is normal and clears away within a few days. You can also use painkillers or ice packs to ease the pain.

If you feel any throbbing discomfort or notice problems with eating or oral hygiene (such as bleeding gums), contact your dentist immediately so we can determine if treatment is needed.

• Gum irritation

Gum irritation is a common side effect of wearing braces. The braces can cause this: the rubber bands that hold them in place and keep your teeth straight, food getting stuck in between them, or even the tongue rubbing against them.

While this might appear minor, it can lead to much bigger problems. If you don’t properly care for your gums while having braces—and remember: prevention is always better than cure—you could end up experiencing severe inflammation that makes it difficult to eat certain foods or drink water without pain. The best way to prevent the problem is by carefully cleaning your mouth after every meal and snack near those brackets.

• Jaw pain and metal braces

Most people who wear braces experience jaw pain in the beginning stages of wearing them. This is because the teeth move and can be sensitive in the first few days.

However, this typically subsides within a week or two after getting used to the braces.

• Food restrictions

Your orthodontist may recommend restrictions on the foods you eat while your teeth are undergoing treatment. This is because certain foods can cause more damage to your braces than others and because some foods are harder to chew and swallow when you have braces. Foods that are hard to chew include nuts (especially cashews, fruits with tough skins or rinds, like apples or watermelons, and raw vegetables like carrots and celery.

• Cavities and tooth decay

These are common complications of braces. A dentist near you can help you prevent cavities by brushing and flossing regularly while your teeth are undergoing treatment.

• Mouth sores

A mouth sore can also be painful and last for several days to weeks. Mouth sores are caused by poor oral hygiene, but they’re also common when wearing braces because they can rub against your gums or tongue uncomfortably.

You should also consider brushing more often before bedtime so that food particles aren’t left behind during sleep hours when saliva flow isn’t as high as during waking activity hours.”

• Unsightly appearance

Braces can make you self-conscious, even if you know they’re doing their job of straightening your teeth. The constant tugging on your teeth can also cause them to become sore and sensitive, so it’s essential to take care of your mouth so that these problems don’t happen. If your braces are giving you trouble, talk with a dentist about preventing this from happening again.

• Allergic reaction

Some patients, but not many, can be allergic to the elastics in braces or metal parts. It is crucial to clearly express any allergies if they are coming to see us for treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Gentle Dental Care for more information about dental braces and how you can prevent some of the adverse effects.