Braces guide teeth into proper alignment and improve bite function. While this orthodontic treatment introduces specific challenges for maintaining daily oral hygiene, the presence of brackets and wires creates new surfaces and crevices where food particles and bacteria accumulate. Therefore, oral care, with a particular focus on flossing, is important throughout the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Plaque Buildup and Early Oral Issues
Braces introduce small spaces where food particles and plaque become trapped, making effective cleaning more difficult. This accumulation of food debris and bacteria quickly forms plaque, a sticky film that adheres to tooth surfaces and around orthodontic appliances. If not removed, this plaque can lead to oral health problems.
One common early consequence is gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding, particularly during brushing or flossing. Additionally, the trapped food particles and bacterial activity contribute to halitosis, bad breath. Bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds as they break down food, causing an unpleasant odor.
Tooth Damage and Decay
When plaque remains on tooth surfaces, especially around braces, the bacteria within it produce acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel, the hard, protective outer layer. This acid exposure can lead to a process called decalcification, where minerals like calcium are leached from the enamel.
Decalcification often manifests as white spots on the teeth, typically visible once braces are removed. These white spots are areas of weakened enamel and are considered an early stage of tooth decay. If decalcification progresses and plaque continues to accumulate, these weakened areas can develop into cavities, also known as dental caries. Braces can increase susceptibility to these issues because the brackets and wires create additional surfaces where plaque can build up, making thorough cleaning more challenging.
Gum Disease Progression
Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum inflammation, can advance to more severe gum disease if left unaddressed. Uncontrolled plaque buildup and persistent inflammation lead to periodontitis, a serious infection affecting tissues supporting the teeth.
As periodontitis progresses, inflammation extends below the gum line, causing gums to pull away and form pockets. Within these pockets, bacteria can thrive, leading to the destruction of the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place. Consequences of advanced periodontitis include gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of the tooth root, and bone loss around the teeth. In severe cases, this can result in tooth looseness and potentially tooth loss.
Impact on Orthodontic Treatment
Poor oral hygiene can impede orthodontic treatment progress. Significant plaque buildup, decalcification, or advanced gum disease can lead to complications. These issues may necessitate a pause in the orthodontic treatment to address the underlying oral health problems.
In some instances, severe gum inflammation or tooth decay might require the temporary removal of braces to allow for proper dental procedures, such as fillings or gum treatments. Such interruptions can significantly prolong the overall treatment time. Compromised oral health can negatively affect the final aesthetic and health outcomes, potentially resulting in a less desirable smile than initially anticipated after braces are removed.