Orthodontic treatment typically requires wearing braces for about two years, a period that can be uncomfortable. Teeth become weak, limiting food choices to soft items. Unless teeth are severely misaligned, treatment is generally not recommended. If proceeding, be prepared for over three and a half years of discomfort. After braces are removed, retainers must be worn for another year and a half to two years. Some relapse is inevitable, though facial structure will improve.
The optimal time for correction is after all permanent teeth have fully erupted, typically during the teenage years. The older the patient, the longer the orthodontic treatment and retainer wear periods. With advances in dental correction technology, addressing misaligned teeth, buck teeth, and canine protrusion is no longer difficult. However, many beauty-conscious individuals often worry: Could orthodontic treatment damage our teeth?What are the potential risks of orthodontic treatment?
Impact on Dental Pulp
During the initial treatment phase, mild, temporary inflammation may occur within the dental pulp, causing discomfort or pain in the first few days after adjustments. However, studies confirm this effect is generally minor.
Tooth Mobility Under normal circumstances, each tooth possesses a certain degree of physiological mobility to cushion chewing pressure and prevent trauma. During treatment, increased tooth mobility is a natural response. Tooth movement requires remodeling of the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament, as teeth are anchored in the alveolar bone by the periodontal ligament. This process causes temporary loosening.
However, once teeth reach their intended positions and movement ceases, they regain stability through the periodontal ligament's natural reattachment process. This does not cause permanent damage. Therefore, if excessive tooth mobility is clinically detected, force application should be paused to allow recovery before resuming.
Impact on Alveolar Bone Height
A slight reduction in alveolar bone height is common. This occurs because wearing orthodontic appliances makes maintaining oral hygiene challenging, increasing the risk of gingivitis and affecting the alveolar bone. After treatment concludes, alveolar bone resorption ceases. With good oral hygiene, the alveolar bone will gradually return to normal.
Friendly reminder: All diseases develop gradually within the body over time.