Wearing traditional braces can come with remarkable results. These tried-and-true brackets and wires are known to produce beautifully aligned smiles among patients with crooked, overcrowded, and gapped teeth. But did you know that they can also come with certain problems? The reality is that metal braces can often run against soft oral tissues and be uncomfortable to wear. If you want to learn what you might experience throughout treatment before getting started, here are three common concerns that come with traditional braces.
Soft Tissue Irritation
Traditional brackets and wires protrude, meaning they stick out further than your natural teeth and can irritate soft tissue. Once they are secured to the tooth enamel, the appliances can rub against your cheeks, lips, and tongue, causing small sores to form. Usually, orthodontic wax is enough to curb the problem; however, many patients develop minor calluses throughout treatment, making it less uncomfortable over time.
You Develop Chapped Lips
Metal braces can cause your lips to become chapped for a few different reasons. One, you may notice that you keep your mouth open more because you are trying to adjust to your protruding appliances. Two, your braces may irritate your lips, causing damage and dryness. If this happens, do not hesitate to talk to your orthodontist about what you can do to improve the situation.
It will take time for your lips to adjust to your new braces, but eventually, they will, and you should not notice or develop chapped lips as often.
Increased Discomfort
When you initially receive your braces, and each time you have the archwire tightened, you may notice increased discomfort. This is normal and part of the shifting process. As your teeth move, it will naturally cause minor pain. However, this is necessary for your smile to move into perfect alignment.
If you need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever or use a cold compress, or both, don’t hesitate to do so. You can also rinse with warm salt water to minimize discomfort. Your orthodontist may recommend this process every few hours until it subsides.
If certain areas of your mouth are more uncomfortable than others, try orthodontic wax or topical numbing ointments.
Although you may want to avoid experiencing these common problems, remember that they are only temporary. Choosing to improve the health and aesthetics of your smile with traditional braces is still worth the time, effort, and money, but if you have any concerns, make sure to let your orthodontist know during your consultation.
About the Practice
At Treehouse Orthodontics, traditional braces remain the most popular treatment option. Proven to realign teeth and bites accurately, many patients still choose these metal brackets and wires to achieve desired results. Our team is here not only to ensure you stay on track throughout treatment but also to provide helpful tips to manage any issues or discomfort along the way. Visit our website or call one of our offices to schedule a consultation to learn what you can do to avoid and manage common problems associated with traditional braces.