If you’re considering braces, you may have some questions about the limitations of this type of orthodontic treatment. Braces are not very comfortable and often cause irritation or cuts along the inside of the mouth. They are also easily seen by others, which can be a concern for people who want to maintain their privacy. Additionally, people with braces shouldn’t eat a number of foods, including gum, bagels, hard candy, and popcorn.
This article looks into mitigating those drawbacks and alternative treatments like Invisalign London.
Comfort
Wearing braces can be associated with a lot of discomfort. This is usually due to the fact that the wires are tightened during each appointment, which puts pressure on the teeth. Additionally, brackets and bands can rub against the inside of your mouth, causing cuts or sores. To help ease the discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also try rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution after each wire adjustment.
If you are getting chronic mouth ulcers, you should contact your orthodontist as your brace may need refitting.
Appearance
One of the main concerns people have with braces is that they are visible to others. This can be a problem for people who are self-conscious or who want to maintain their privacy. There are a few ways to help mitigate this issue. First, you can choose clear braces or ceramic braces, which are less visible than metal braces. You can also talk to your orthodontist about getting the brackets bonded on the back of your teeth.
Known as lingual braces, these are braces that go on the tongue side of your teeth making them practically invisible. But come with further complications with cleaning and a higher price tag.
Food Restrictions
Another downside of braces is that you have to be careful about what you eat. This is because certain foods can damage the wires or brackets. You should avoid hard candy, gum, bagels, and popcorn. You should also cut up hard fruits and vegetables into small pieces. If you do eat something that damages your braces, you should call your orthodontist right away.
Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the limitations of braces, you may want to consider invisible aligners. This is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners. This means that they are much less visible than braces and can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Additionally, there are no food restrictions with removable aligners. If you’re interested in learning more about aligners, you should talk to your orthodontist.
Whether they are suitable or not depends on the type of misalignment you have. But for the vast majority, aligners are a much better solution. The final decision comes down to you after discussing with your orthodontist what will work best for you and is compatible with your lifestyle.
You also need to be committed to wearing your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day. If you aren’t sure if you can adhere to this, then talk to your orthodontist about other options.