Complications With Orthodontic Adhesive

Even in orthodontics, a branch of dentistry that focuses on straightening crooked teeth, what's fixed may become "fractured." The adhesives that orthodontists use to attach braces to teeth or to affix dentures to gums, for example, do cause known complications that might be reason enough for you to avoid adhesives in favor of another option.

Toxicity

• Studies have shown that some popular denture adhesives, such as in Poligrip and Fixodent brands, contribute to negative neurological effects among those who use them. The guilty ingredient is zinc, which, if absorbed or ingested regularly and excessively, can cause weakness, numbness, tingling in the hands and feet, and balance problems. Because of these problems, no one should use a denture adhesive that has a zinc base in it, according to Nasir Bashirelahi, a professor at the University of Maryland Dental School. Accordingly, some manufacturers, including Poligrip maker Glaxo Smith Kline, use an alternative base comprised of calcium, sodium and cellulose gum.

Adhesion

• Sometimes the complication is that the adhesive doesn't adhere enough. For a better stick, use paste adhesives instead of powdered, especially for the lower teeth. Food and liquids tend to work on the adhesives of the lower mouth more aggressively, since more food and liquid collect around the lower teeth. Isadore Rosenfeld, author of the book, "Live Now, Age Later," asserts that, while adhesives do help, they can't compete with denture implants. She says that denture adhesives can be your worst enemy in many situations, such as when eating, speaking or yawning.

Lifestyle Changes

• For some people, there's nothing more annoying and complicating than having to make a lifestyle change, especially for an adolescent who must wear braces. The adhesives used to attach braces to teeth require the cooperation of the one wearing them in order to remain effective. Extremely hard, sticky or high sugar foods -- especially caramel -- can easily loosen the cement. People wearing braces must temporarily give up these adhesive-threatening foods, said William J. Trepp, a dentist.

Removal

• Removing adhesives from teeth after an orthodontist takes a person's braces out also can be complicated. A careless orthodontist might inadvertently remove tooth enamel when removing adhesives with a debonding bur tool. However, many patients experience little trouble when getting their braces out, and often it takes less than five minutes. Other tools used to remove stubborn cement are orthodontic pliers or polishing hand pieces. You shouldn't feel any pain, but if you have sensitive teeth you might feel slight discomfort.