10 common issues with braces and their effective solutions

Braces are becoming an effective beauty trend, offering the perfect smile. However, during the treatment process, many individuals often face discomforting issues such as pain, infections, loose brackets, and other challenges. In this article, The East Rose Dental Clinic will summarise the common issues encountered during braces treatment and provide effective solutions to address them.

Common issues are frequently encountered during braces treatment.

Braces are an effective solution for improving dental aesthetics and oral health, but the treatment process can come with its own set of challenges. Understanding the common issues that arise during braces treatment will help you better prepare mentally and learn how to handle them efficiently. The are 10 common problems during braces treatment, compiled by The East Rose Dental Clinic.

Pain and discomfort

Pain and discomfort are one of the most common issues during braces treatment, especially after each wire adjustment. The pressure from the brackets and wires moves the teeth into the correct position, causing pain and tension in the jaw for the wearer. Pain typically occurs in the first few days and can have an impact on eating. However, this is normal and will gradually decrease as the teeth adjust to the changes, so there's no need to worry too much about this issue.

Gum inflammation and cavities. 

Oral hygiene becomes more complex with braces due to the small gaps created by the brackets and wires, which can trap food. This environment is ideal for bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of gum inflammation and cavities. Without thorough care, plaque can accumulate around the brackets, leading to more serious dental issues. Therefore, using interdental brushes, dental floss, and mouthwash is essential to ensuring optimal hygiene.

Loose brackets or wires

During braces treatment, some individuals may experience loose brackets or wires due to impacts, biting tough foods, or improper care. When brackets come off or wires loosen, the teeth may shift out of position, slowing down the treatment process. To address this, you should contact your orthodontist immediately to have the brackets adjusted. Additionally, avoid eating tough foods and take extra care to protect your braces.

Changes in facial structure

One common concern with orthodontic treatment is that it may alter your facial structure, such as making your face appear slimmer and less asymmetrical. The process of moving teeth and adjusting the bite can change your face's shape. However, these changes are usually positive and lead to a more balanced appearance once the treatment is complete. 

Nevertheless, you should discuss any concerns with your orthodontist beforehand to ensure that all changes are heading in the right direction and do not cause serious issues.

Temporary bite misalignment

The process of moving teeth into their correct positions can lead to temporary bite misalignment. This occurs as teeth shift to their proper places on the dental arch. Bite misalignment can make chewing difficult and uncomfortable, and may even cause jaw pain or muscle soreness. However, this is a normal part of braces treatment. These symptoms will gradually subside over time, as the teeth and bite stabilize.

Treatment duration and teeth not moving as planned

During orthodontic treatment, a common issue is that the teeth may not move according to the initial plan. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as jawbone structure, dietary habits, or poor oral care. When teeth do not move as expected, the treatment process will be prolonged, leading to several inconveniences. To address this, you should attend regular check-ups and strictly follow the orthodontist's instructions.

Speech and eating difficulties

In the initial days of wearing braces, you may experience difficulty speaking and eating. Braces alter the structure of your mouth, causing the brackets and wires to interfere with the accurate pronunciation of sounds, especially those involving the tongue and lips. 
This can create awkwardness when biting food, making chewing more difficult. However, this situation usually improves as you get accustomed to the braces and gradually enhance your speaking and eating skills.

Brackets rub, causing sores and mouth ulcers.

Brackets rubbing against the inside of the cheeks and lips is a common issue, especially in the early stages of braces treatment. This friction can lead to sores and discomfort, making eating and speaking difficult. 

The rubbing occurs due to the sudden changes in the mouth space when new brackets are attached. While this condition usually decreases over time as the mouth adjusts to the braces, using orthodontic wax and pain relief measures can help soothe symptoms and minimise discomfort.

Calcium deficiency and white spots on teeth

Proper oral care is crucial, especially for those with braces. Inadequate cleaning can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup around the brackets, causing cavities and white spots on the tooth enamel. These white spots are a sign of demineralisation, particularly calcium, caused by bacterial attacks.

Increased Risk of TMJ Syndrome (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

In some cases, braces can trigger symptoms of TMJ syndrome (temporomandibular joint disorder), including jaw pain, difficulty moving the jaw, or unusual sounds when opening the mouth. This syndrome can cause discomfort and pain, affecting your ability to eat and speak. 

Although this is a rare issue, if you experience these symptoms, you should promptly inform your orthodontist for an evaluation and appropriate adjustments to minimise symptoms and improve your condition.

Some common braces issues can be solved

When wearing braces, you may encounter certain issues. However, with appropriate solutions, you can minimise discomfort and maintain oral health. Here are effective ways to handle common problems during braces treatment:

• Using medication or applying ice: If you experience pain during orthodontic treatment, you can take pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor to ease the discomfort. Additionally, applying an ice pack to the painful jaw area for about 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and temporarily numb the area.
• Proper oral hygiene: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss to clean plaque around the brackets and wires. Fluoride mouthwash helps protect tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and maintain oral health.
• Avoid hard and chewy foods. At the beginning of treatment or after adjustments, you may experience pain and discomfort. To reduce irritation, eat soft foods and avoid brittle items. This will also help prevent bracket detachment.
• Monitor and adjust brackets: they may become loose or wires may shift during treatment. To ensure smooth progress, contact your orthodontist to adjust brackets and wires as needed.
• Use orthodontic wax to prevent mouth sores. Brackets can cause friction and sores. To alleviate pain and protect oral tissues, apply orthodontic wax to the brackets. Additionally, anti-sore gels can soothe and aid in healing.
• Increase your calcium intake and use fluoride toothpaste. Braces can cause white spots on teeth and calcium deficiency. To address this, include calcium-rich foods in your diet and use fluoride toothpaste to remineralize enamel and protect against damage.
• Perform jaw exercises: Temporary bite misalignment may occur as teeth shift into their new positions. To help your jaw adjust, gentle jaw exercises can improve this condition. Ensure your orthodontist checks and adjusts your bite as needed.
• Consult your doctor if concerned about related issues. If you are worried about changes in your facial structure during orthodontic treatment, contact your doctor to understand the situation and the extent of the changes, ensuring the treatment results align with your expectations.

Braces can offer significant benefits, but they also come with their share of discomforts that can impact daily life. Understanding and addressing these common issues can help ensure a safe and effective orthodontic experience. We hope the solutions provided by The East Rose Dental Clinic will assist you in minimising problems and achieving a successful orthodontic journey.