What Are Some Common Side Effects of Getting Braces?

Getting braces is one of the most effective ways to straighten teeth, but it’s also common to experience some side effects along the way. These can range from mild discomfort to more serious (but rare) complications. Whether you’re considering Damon Braces or Invisible Braces in Seremban, Senawang, knowing what to expect can make your orthodontic journey smoother.

At Cozy T Dental Seremban, we believe in full transparency when it comes to treatment. That includes helping you understand the side effects, how to manage them, and when it’s time to see a professional.

What to Expect in the First Few Days After Getting Braces

Once your braces are installed, your mouth starts adjusting almost immediately. It’s completely normal to feel pressure on your teeth within the first 24 to 48 hours. This sensation happens because your teeth are beginning to shift exactly what you want them to do.

However, this adjustment comes with temporary side effects. You might notice that your cheeks and lips feel sore from rubbing against the brackets. For those using self-ligating systems like Damon Braces, this discomfort tends to fade quicker compared to traditional braces.

Your diet will need to change slightly during this period. Sticky, crunchy, or hard foods can worsen irritation or damage your brackets. Soft foods like porridge, soup, or mashed potatoes will be your best friends early on.

Speech may also be affected, especially with lingual or clear aligner systems. The good news? Your tongue and mouth will adapt in about a week.

Common Side Effects After Getting Braces

While braces are a powerful tool for improving alignment, they’re not always the most comfortable at first. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but understanding what’s normal can help you stay calm and carry on with your treatment.

You might experience:

Mild Discomfort and Pressure

This is by far the most common experience. As the braces begin to apply pressure on your teeth, you’ll feel soreness, especially after adjustments. It usually peaks in the first few days and fades within a week. Over-the-counter pain relief or an orthodontist-recommended mouth rinse can help.

Irritation from Brackets and Wires

Your cheeks, lips, and tongue may develop small sores as they rub against the new metal or ceramic parts. Orthodontic wax is a simple but effective solution. It creates a smooth barrier to protect soft tissue while your mouth gets used to the hardware.

Jaw Pain and Tightness

Some people experience jaw discomfort, particularly if braces are correcting bite alignment. It may feel like tension near your ears or at the hinge of your jaw. Warm compresses and gentle stretching can ease the pressure.

Difficulty Eating

Chewing hard or crunchy foods can become difficult at first. Your orthodontist will likely recommend a soft diet post-installation and after each adjustment until the soreness subsides.

Are There Any Unusual Side Effects From Braces?

While most braces’ side effects are temporary and manageable, there are less common outcomes that may need professional attention. These aren’t guaranteed to happen, but being aware of them ensures you know when to reach out to your dental clinic in Senawang early.

Tooth Decay and Plaque Buildup

Braces create tight spaces that are harder to clean, especially around the brackets and wires. If plaque is not removed effectively, it can lead to cavities. That’s why routine cleaning and proper brushing techniques are critical during orthodontic treatment.

Decalcification

This condition appears as white spots on the teeth and is an early sign of enamel weakening due to acid and plaque. It can become permanent if left untreated. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups help prevent this.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some patients experience allergic responses to the metal in braces or latex in the elastics. If you notice swelling, rash, or irritation around your mouth, notify your orthodontist immediately as they can switch you to hypoallergenic materials. Conversely, it’s also a good choice to inform your dentist any metal-based allergies you have so the treatment can go smoother. 

Root Resorption

This is when the roots of the teeth start to shorten during braces treatment. It usually happens gradually and doesn’t affect most patients, but it can be detected during regular X-rays. If it becomes significant, your orthodontist might adjust the treatment plan.

Ankylosis

In very rare cases, a tooth may become fused to the jawbone, preventing it from moving as intended. This can complicate treatment as minor oral surgery may be required, but early detection helps guide appropriate care.

Relapsed Teeth

Without retainers, teeth may shift back to their original positions after braces are removed. That’s why post-treatment retainers, whether fixed or removable, are essential to maintain your new alignment.

Are There Any Side Effects of Wearing Braces For A Long Time?

Braces are designed to improve oral health, but like any medical treatment, they can carry long-term considerations, especially if care and follow-up aren’t taken seriously. Most issues are preventable with proper dental hygiene and regular visits to your orthodontist.

Gum Recession and Sensitivity

Braces shift your teeth, but they also exert force on the surrounding bone and gums. In some cases, this pressure may contribute to gum recession, exposing tooth roots and increasing sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Routine cleanings and careful brushing help minimise this risk.

Changes in Lip and Facial Structure

You might notice subtle changes to your lips or facial appearance after braces. This is especially true in cases involving significant bite corrections. These changes are typically positive and part of the aesthetic improvement, but in rare cases, they can feel unexpected if not discussed beforehand.

Dental Nerve Damage

Though uncommon, overly aggressive movement of teeth can strain the nerves inside them. This may result in tooth sensitivity or, in rare cases, nerve damage. Choosing an experienced braces specialist in Seremban is key to minimising these risks.

Jaw Joint Problems

Braces can sometimes affect the alignment of your jaw. If left unaddressed, this might lead to issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), which causes pain and stiffness in the jaw. Most patients won’t experience this, but it’s something your orthodontist monitors throughout treatment.