Braces straighten teeth and correct alignment. They improve their form and function so you can chew, speak, smile, and laugh worry-free. 

But you may be wondering if the orthodontic procedure also comes with disadvantages. 

When you see your orthodontist in Kitchener, ON, they assess your bite and determine if braces are right for your concerns. 

Every option has its strengths and limitations, and understanding them will help you make better decisions for your oral health.

To help set your expectations, here are some of the cons of getting braces.

1. Treatment duration

The treatment duration for braces varies per individual. The more complex a case is, the longer it'll take to correct. 

There are more factors that can impact how long the procedure will go. While braces are fixed and losing them is rarely an issue, not going for your periodic adjustments can delay your progress. 

Adult teeth are also less flexible, so moving them can take more time.

2. Visibility

Traditional dental braces are now thinner, lighter, and more comfortable, but still visible when you open your mouth. This may be a downside for those who prefer discreet teeth straightening methods. 

3. Related discomfort

Braces, themselves, shouldn’t be painful. But discomfort is expected as the device puts pressure on your teeth to move them. 

When the bands are replaced during periodic adjustments, it may feel like the braces were placed on your mouth for the first time. 

The discomfort should subside and become more manageable once you’ve adjusted.

4. Irritation

Misaligned teeth can make you more vulnerable to mouth injuries. 

The brackets can rub against your lips and cheeks. And the wires can poke through your gums or cheeks. But there's a way to prevent this and protect the inside of your mouth. 

Your orthodontist gives you wax that you can apply on the brackets or at the wire ends. This will keep them from touching your lips and cheeks.

5. Cleaning challenges

Braces are attached to the tooth surface, so you won’t be able to clean the area they occupy thoroughly. 

Dirt or deposits can get stuck inside or around the appliance. To remove them, you may need special tools. Brushing and flossing may take longer as you need to tackle more gaps or spaces where debris can build up. 

It’s essential to do your best when cleaning your mouth and to stay on top of your dental appointments. 

Poor oral hygiene may keep you from enjoying the results of the procedure. Once the brackets come off, you'll still need to tackle any stain or debris buildup on teeth surfaces.

6. Changes in diet

During the first few days of wearing braces, you need to stick to soft food to avoid too much pressure on your teeth and lessen discomfort. 

Once you get used to your braces, you'll still need to be cautious when reintroducing hard or crunchy food to your diet. It helps to break down food into smaller chunks. 

A wrong bite can damage your brackets or wires. But in case your braces come off, your orthodontist can fix them for you. 

Learn more about how dental braces work

It’s more challenging to correct teeth alignment for adults, but that doesn’t mean the goal is impossible. 

Despite some downsides to getting braces, they remain the gold standard in correct teeth alignment. There’s more good news than bad.

The procedure requires time, patience, and commitment. It can take up to 2 years to complete, but after that and for the years to come, you’ll see a better, healthier, and more beautiful version of your smile. 

If you're in Kitchener, ON, and have more questions about how braces work and what you can expect from them, contact us today at (226) 929-8983 . 

Book a consultation with our friendly orthodontist. Let’s see if braces are necessary for you and how they can enhance your oral health and life quality.

 

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