Risks and complications of orthodontic treatment
Toothache, sometimes just discomfort or pressure on the teeth
At the start of orthodontic treatment and after individual check-ups, you may feel unpleasant pressure on your teeth, toothache or just discomfort for about 3 days. This is an individual matter that corresponds to the person’s pain threshold.
Abrasions and pressure sores
Also at the beginning of orthodontic treatment, abrasions and pressure sores may appear on the mucosa, usually caused by the fixed appliance. In these cases, orthodontic protective wax is used. These problems are temporary and generally occur during the first 5–7 days after the start of treatment. Later the mucosa adapts to the brace and the abrasions disappear.
White spots on the tooth surface
This complication is caused by long-term poor oral hygiene. White spots form around the brackets. The enamel under the brackets remains undamaged. Dental plaque on the enamel surface causes its decalcification. This happens through the action of harmful bacteria, which break down food debris around the brackets into acids. The acids in turn etch the enamel, which leads to its decalcification.
This is a precursor of tooth decay.
If this complication occurs and repeated instruction in oral hygiene and visits to the dental hygienist are ineffective, the doctor reserves the right to end the treatment early. The priority is always healthy teeth first, and straight teeth only after that.
Gum inflammation
Inadequate hygiene can lead to gum inflammation. This inflammation can complicate treatment by slowing down tooth movement, and thus the treatment itself, and sometimes even by causing irreversible damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Resorption of the tooth roots. Some patients have a tendency towards resorption. In practice, this means that the root of the tooth becomes shorter. However, this complication does not shorten the lifespan of the teeth.
Relapse of the orthodontic anomaly
Every orthodontic treatment tends to relapse, i.e. the teeth tend to return to their original position. We counteract this with retention appliances and retainers. Retention appliances are laboratory-made devices, manufactured to fit your teeth precisely. Retainers are wires bonded to the back surface of the teeth to hold the teeth in position. This phase is very important for orthodontic treatment.
Source: MySmile