6 Mistakes You Make When Wearing Braces
In this article, we have gathered six common mistakes made when wearing braces that can delay treatment, cause complications, and thwart the orthodontist's efforts.
Braces are more than just metal structures on the teeth; they are a complex orthodontic system that requires patience, discipline, and proper care. Their primary goal is to correct the bite, align the teeth, and improve the aesthetics of the smile. However, as with any treatment, success depends largely on the patient. Even perfectly fitting braces will not produce the desired results if mistakes are made in care or if the doctor's recommendations are not followed. In this article, we have gathered six common mistakes made when wearing braces that can delay treatment, cause complications, and thwart the orthodontist's efforts.
1. Neglecting oral hygiene
The most common and perhaps most dangerous mistake is poor dental hygiene. Braces create hard-to-reach areas where food debris and plaque can easily accumulate. If not thoroughly removed, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. In addition, white spots may remain on the teeth after removing the braces – signs of demineralization of the tooth enamel.
Proper care includes the use of interdental brushes, a water flosser, and dental floss. Brush your teeth after every meal, not just morning and evening. Rinse your mouth with antiseptic solutions. Failure to follow these rules can not only prolong orthodontic treatment but also require additional dental procedures.
2. Skipping orthodontic consultations
Many patients believe they can simply wait for braces to take effect. However, this is a serious misconception. Braces require regular adjustments: The dentist must tighten the archwire, change the elastic bands, and monitor the correct movement of the teeth.
Skipping consultations can delay the orthodontic process or lead to errors. This not only prolongs treatment but can also lead to complications such as tooth movement in the undesired direction. Orthodontic consultations should take place on average every 4–6 weeks and should not be postponed.
3. Wrong food choices
Dentists strongly recommend avoiding hard, sticky, and overly dense foods while wearing braces. However, many patients ignore this advice, assuming nothing bad will happen. In practice, however, the situation is quite different: Chewing gum, nuts, toffee, or caramel can easily damage the wire or tear the braces off the teeth.
Even familiar apples, carrots, and hard bread should be consumed with caution and cut into small pieces. Damage to braces not only causes discomfort but also requires an unscheduled dental visit, which delays the treatment process.
4. Self-repair of braces
Sometimes patients notice that the archwire has shifted, the elastic band has broken, or the braces have come loose, and try to fix the problem on their own by bending, bonding, or removing the braces. This is one of the most dangerous mistakes.
Braces are designed to distribute pressure extremely precisely. Even minor adjustments can disrupt balance and damage teeth or gums. This can cause teeth to move incorrectly, and the entire treatment may be ineffective. If problems arise, contact your dentist immediately. They will advise you before your appointment and safely correct the problem.
5. Ignoring pain and irritation
Wearing braces is often uncomfortable, especially in the first few weeks after placement or adjustment. However, if the pain becomes severe, ulcers, inflammation, or severe irritation occur, it is important not to tolerate them or wait for them to go away on their own.
These symptoms can indicate damage to the cheeks or lips caused by metal elements and sometimes even inflammation of the mucous membrane. Modern orthodontics offers various solutions: special waxes, gels, and antiseptics that can alleviate the condition. If the problem persists, it is important to visit a dental office. Timely treatment prevents complications and makes treatment more pleasant.
6. Neglecting the retention period after braces removal
One of the worst mistakes is assuming that treatment is complete once the braces are removed. In fact, an equally important phase only begins afterward: maintaining or consolidating the results. After orthodontic treatment, the teeth have not yet adjusted to their new position and tend to return to their previous position. To prevent this, the orthodontist prescribes a retainer – a special device that holds the teeth in the correct position.
Some patients use their retainers too infrequently or remove them too soon. This leads to a gradual shifting of the teeth and a return of the bite to its original state. The entire treatment is therefore wasted and must be started again.
About the Creator
Amelia Grant
I am journalist, and blogger.
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