We talk a lot about the great benefits ofOrthodontic treatmentbenefits that go beyond cosmetic and into general health. But what aboutcomplications or risks?Is there anyone?
The short answer is yes: any medical or dental procedure is not without risks. Whilethe risk factor is lowthere is a chance of rare complications that can lead to significant problems for a patient.
CHT Orthodonticsis committed to keeping our patients informed about all the ins and outs of their orthodontic treatment. That's why we put one togetheruseful summary of some possible complicationsof braces treatment. Of course, you should always consult oneexperienced orthodontistfor any risks and limitations specific to you.
Tooth decay or gum disease
When you wear braces, the parts of the teeth and gums that are near or under the brackets and brackets are difficult to clean. If the teeth are not cleaned carefully, food particles can get into these areas. This allows plaque to build up, increasing the riskcavities and gum disease.
It is very important to maintaingood oral hygienebrushing thoroughly at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day if you wear braces to prevent these types of dental health problems.
Allergic reactions
In rare cases, an orthodontic patient may experience:Allergic reactionto the latex rubber in the elastics or to the metal used in suspenders. If you or your child have a known allergy to nickel or latex, you should notify your dentist before beginning any treatment. In these cases that is the caselatex-free elastics and alternative metalsthat can be used.
Soft tissue damage and ulcers
When you wear braces, your inner cheeks, lips, and gums may feel sore when they come into contact with the metal brackets and wires. You may also develop canker sores, where the sensitive inner mouth tissue rubs against the hard metal parts of the brace. If any of these problems occur, your dentist can prescribe the appropriate treatmentreduce pain and irritationand helps heal sensitive areas.
Rodresorptie
Root resorption is one thingshortening of the rootsunder brackets. Sometimes this will be nothing more than mild blunting of the root tips and will not result in any long-term problems for these teeth. In rarer cases, some patients may experience a shortening of half or more of the root. This can significantly affect the long-term health and stability of the affected teeth.
Although the exact reason for this is not fully known, wearing a brace for a longer period of time (more than 2-3 years) appears to increase the risk of this happening. Many orthodontists take initial, intermediate, and final x-rays to determine if root resorption has occurred during treatment.
Descaling and cavities
As we mentioned earlier,good oral hygiene is extremely importantfor patients with braces, for both the health and appearance of the teeth. Decalcification manifests itself in the form of white spots on the teeth and cavities can quickly develop if food and plaque are not removed regularly. Fortunately, these problems are easily and thoroughly preventablebrushing, flossing and a low-sugar diet.
Ankylosis
This is another rare but serious complication.Ankylosis is a fusion of the tooth root with the bone. If a tooth is already attached to the underlying jawbone, braces cannot move that tooth. In fact, all surrounding teeth around the ankylotic tooth will begin to move. This will not allowcorrect alignment of teeth and bite.
A history of trauma where a tooth has been reimplanted by a dentist has a high degree of ankylosis, but otherwise it is difficult to predict. X-rays and clinical examination can only detect ankylosis in certain situations, so this is a complication worth knowing about.
Relapse
This is not so much a complication as a possible consequence. Relapse yesmovement and shifting of teeth after braces are removed.Patients receive braces after treatment to prevent relapse. If these are not worn as instructed, the risk of relapse is very high, especially immediately after the brace is removed.
A few years after braces, there is a tendency for the teeth to move on their own, but this is often due to normal age-related changes, which occur to varying degrees in almost all patients. Long-term use of retainers can help prevent this.
They are still worth it!
While thereisrisks associated with orthodontics, and although some of them can cause significant problemsDoingprevent,the probability of occurrence is low.
Most patients believe that the small chance of risks is not great enough to refrain from taking thembenefits of the treatment, and CHT Orthodontics agrees!
As a patient, you can rest assured that your care is in someone's handshighly trained orthodontistwhich is supported bystaffwith respect and experience in their respective fields. We will retain you from your first appointmentinformed of every step. We believe that you should understand all aspects of your treatment at all times, including the potential risks.
if you've considered itceleryfor you or your childHinsdale, but are unsure about the risks, benefits, or any other aspect of orthodontics, call us today, orclick hereto book a free consultation!