Side Effects of Braces

The most common side effect from braces is the range of pain from mild to severe that affects the mouth and jaw. However, it is possible to minimize that.

Identification

• Braces are a combination of wires and brackets that are attached to your teeth. By exerting continual pressure on your teeth, they shift their placement within your mouth.

Significance

• Braces can be worn for cosmetic reasons if you simply don't like how your teeth line up. Braces can also fix an underbite or overbite or correct for overcrowding.

Effects

• Because of the pressure they exert on your teeth, braces can cause pain or discomfort in your jaw. If a bracket becomes unglued or a wire pokes loose, you can scrape your lips or the inside of your cheeks.

Prevention

• Take an aspirin-like pain reliever before appointments to change your wires or tighten your brackets. Follow your doctor's advice and avoid certain foods that cause problems for your braces, like crunchy foods or chewy foods.

Considerations

• When you adhere to your orthodontist's orders about avoiding certain foods, not chewing on pen caps, flossing daily and brushing often, you can play an active role in preventing problems with your braces. The more strictly you follow their guidelines, the fewer complications you will have and you can shorten the amount of time you will need to wear your braces.