Complications during and after orthodontic treatment concern both the gums and the teeth themselves, and may appear at any stage of treatment, as well as after its completion. What complications may arise after orthodontic treatment? What are the side effects of wearing braces and how can I prevent them?

Complicationsduringand after orthodontic treatmentcan happen in any patient. Orthodontic treatment consists in setting the teeth in such a way as to restore the correct occlusal conditions and at the same time improve the aesthetics of the smile and facial features. This effect is achieved by applying a small amount of force to the teeth, causing the teeth to shift and move into their correct position. Orthodontic treatment can be performed with the use of both removable (removable) and fixed orthodontic appliances. As with other medical treatments, the treatment is not fully predictable and may be associated with specific complications. According to medical terminology, a complication is described as an undesirable event resulting from the presence of a disease or treatment.

Complications during and after orthodontic treatment

Complications related to orthodontic treatment may arise during and after its completion. The side effects of wearing a brace are: 1. Enamel discoloration, white spots, tooth decay. These complications are associated with non-compliance with the doctor's instructions regarding maintaining proper oral hygiene. Orthodontic appliances make it difficult to clean the teeth of plaque and food debris. This is a risk factor for the formation of decalcification of the enamel (white spots) and subsequent caries. Most often, discoloration occurs in the gingival area of ​​the teeth and results from the loss of enamel minerals. They take the shape of white crescents, the color of which stands out from the surface of he althy enamel. Over time, if the patient does not improve oral hygiene, white spots turn into carious lesions.

2. Gum and periodontal diseases are another possiblecomplications of orthodontic treatment . Most often they are the result of non-compliance with the rules of oral hygiene. Bacteria in plaque cause inflammationgums causing them to become red and swollen. In the course of inflammation, the gums bleed when slightly injured. Pain may be a comorbid symptom of the symptoms listed above. Recessions are another periodontal pathological condition that may appear during orthodontic treatment. Recessions are related to the exposure of the root surface resulting from the disappearance of the gums in the area of ​​the tooth neck.

3. Erosions and wounds of the mucosa are another possibleside effectswearingbraces . Orthodontic appliances are in direct contact with the mucosa, so some of their components may damage the mucosa. These injuries are manifested by the formation of small, painful wounds and erosions of the mucosa. They usually appear at the initial stage of treatment, in the first days after the braces are put on.

4. Allergic reactions to chemicals used in the manufacture of orthodontic appliances are very rare complications of orthodontic treatment. Almost all of the orthodontic appliances in use today contain metal components. Metal alloys used in orthodontics contain nickel, chromium and cob alt, i.e. metals responsible for the occurrence of common contact allergies. Nickel is one of the most common allergens - hypersensitivity to this metal affects about 15 percent. adult population. Other allergens in orthodontics are the components of acrylic (the mass from which removable appliances are made), as well as latex, which is part of diagnostic gloves put on by a doctor.

5. Tooth root resorption - this phenomenon affects a wide group (even 60-70%) of people wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. The mechanism of this type of resorption is not fully understood. As a result of orthodontic treatment, the length of the tooth roots is shortened. Usually it is a low-intensity process with no major implications. Changes of this type are visible on control radiographs taken during treatment. In the case of very intensive root resorption, the treating physician may decide to stop the treatment. 6. Dental pulpitis is a relatively rare complication. The forces acting during orthodontic treatment, in addition to tooth displacement, may disturb the blood flow through the pulp. This process may contribute to changes in the blood supply to the living tissue of the tooth, causing the development of inflammation. Usually it is a reversible inflammation, not requiring endodontic intervention. In very rare cases, the pulp may lose its vitality. 7. Recurrence of the malocclusion. Eliminating disturbancesorthodontics does not end with the removal of the braces. There is also a retention period to consolidate the treatment results. During this time, the patient wears special retention devices. The period of their use is determined by the orthodontist. In the event of non-use or incorrect use of the retention apparatus by the patient, the defect may recede. Then the achieved treatment results are lost.

According to an expertLegal advisor, Przemysław Gogojewicz, Kancelaria Usług Prawnych Gogojewicz & Wspólnicy

The effects of orthodontic treatment and compensation

A year ago I decided to put on an orthodontic appliance (lower two recessed and slightly overt bite). The doctor pulled back the lower two and put on the braces, about 3 weeks ago she said that we were removing the lower braces, but she mentioned something about the expansion of the lower jaw and insertion of an implant, but added that she would not recommend it. A few days after that, the doctor's assistant took off my braces and I noticed the strange look of my teeth. Apart from the lack of two, there were three in this place, which was already strange. At home, I came to the conclusion that the teeth in the lower jaw are very recessed. The defect is so big that I can stick my index finger between the lower jaw and the jaw with my mouth closed, which was not the case before the treatment. So I went to the doctor, showing the defect. I think she got scared and offered me lumps on double retention and lifts, because I still have the upper apparatus. I consulted another orthodontist who said that it would not help in any way with my defect, and he would not comment on the tears because it should not be done. What should I do? Can I request a refund for the entire treatment and further treatment at the expense of the doctor? Can I apply for compensation or redress? Przemysław Gogojewicz, attorney-at-law: In this case, medical documentation should be gathered and a lawyer should be consulted to analyze it and make the right decision. It is also worth consulting the orthodontic treatment with another specialist.

Treatment errors are becoming more frequent, and the lack of proper orthodontic and medical knowledge causes many complications and additional diseases in patients. Schematic treatment of treatment processes is also a premise that causes errors in treatment to appear more and more often. All this should be thoroughly analyzed with the help of a lawyer specializing in medical law and a decision should be made regarding the compensation or redress proceedings. A diagnostic error (diagnosis error) is particularly severe for the patient, as it results in faulty treatment or treatment discontinuation.

It is believed that the diagnosis should consist of two procedures: 1) gathering the facts, 2) analysis of these facts (assessment, disease determination, possible consultations with specialists, the need for additional tests, if the initial diagnosis must be confirmed or changed ). The first procedure requires diligence on the part of the orthodontist, the second - knowledge and experience. Failure to do so at any stage of these procedures can lead to diagnostic errors. A therapeutic error occurs in the case of choosing the wrong method or method of treatment, improperly performed surgery, performing an operation despite medical contraindications, omission or too late treatment,

Preventing complications of orthodontic treatment

Proper oral hygiene is an indispensable element of orthodontic treatment. Before putting on orthodontic braces, patients should improve their oral hygiene skills. During treatment, special brushes for orthodontic appliances and the use of rinsing solutions for the mouth may be useful. Do not forget to visit your dentist regularly. They will enable the diagnosis of early carious lesions and their appropriate treatment. In the case of significant periodontal disorders (gingivitis, recessions, etc.), a visit to the periodontist's office may be advisable. Orthodontists carry out treatment according to specific standards, but it is impossible to eliminate the complications associated with it in one hundred percent.

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Adult orthodontic treatment is not just about aligning the teeth in even arches. Orthodontic treatment of adults also involves the orthodontist's work on the symmetry of the entire face. What is adult orthodontics? How does orthodontic treatment affect our facial features? Listen to our expert.

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Dentistry and Orthodontics