Braces are an orthodontic treatment and the most common way to straighten teeth. Braces help fix crooked, crowded, gapped and misaligned teeth. Bracing is a long-term solution that requires dedication and patience, but the end result of a beautiful smile is worth it. With careful attention to oral hygiene, braces can give you the healthy, straight teeth you desire. While braces can be beneficial for many people, they can also come with some common problems. In this article we will discuss the common problems associated with wearing braces and how to solve them.
Brace Discomfort
Wearing new braces or having an adjustment appointment done can often cause discomfort in your mouth. Braces can accidentally scratch or irritate the inside of your mouth, leading to inflammation and pain. Bracket breakage is also common, which may cause further discomfort as it needs to be replaced.
1. Brace Soreness
When you first get braces put on your teeth, they will be sore for a few days. This is normal and should subside within a week. To help with the soreness, apply an oral gel or rinse such as Orabase to the area where the brace is rubbing against your mouth. You can also try using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if need be.
2. Bracket Breakage
Bracket breakage can occur from time to time and cause discomfort. In some cases, the bracket may need to be replaced. If this is the case for you, your orthodontist will be able to replace it as soon as possible. Brace breakage can also lead to tooth or gum irritation which should also be addressed by your orthodontist.
Brace Irritation
While braces are designed to help improve and straighten your teeth, they can sometimes cause irritation in your mouth if not properly taken care of. Braces require careful attention when eating certain foods and brushing/flossing your teeth in order to avoid irritating the gums or causing damage to the braces.
1. Brace Loosening
If braces are not properly taken care of, they can become loose and shift out of place. Braces should be gently brushed and flossed daily to ensure that food particles and plaque do not build up on them. Eating hard or sticky foods should also be avoided in order to prevent the braces from becoming loose or damaged.
2. Brace Damage
Chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and fingernails can cause the brackets to break or come off the teeth entirely. Braces should also be kept away from extremely hot or cold temperatures as this can weaken and damage them. If any damage occurs, it is important that you seek treatment from your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Braces can be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile, but they require attention and proper care in order to work properly. Braces may cause discomfort and irritation at times, but with some simple solutions such as oral gels, pain relievers, and avoiding certain foods, you should be able to address any problems quickly and easily. Remember to always brush and floss carefully every day in order to prevent further damage or irritation.
FAQs:
1) How do I know if my braces are causing discomfort?
If you experience any pain or inflammation in your mouth when wearing braces, it could be a sign of discomfort. Bracket breakage can also cause discomfort which should be addressed by your orthodontist.
2) What kind of foods should I avoid with braces?
You should avoid eating hard, crunchy or sticky foods while wearing braces in order to prevent them from becoming loose or damaged. Foods such as popcorn, apples and gum are not recommended when wearing braces.
3) How do I keep my braces clean?
Braces should be gently brushed and flossed daily in order to keep them clean and free of food particles and plaque build-up. Brushing after each meal is also highly recommended.