Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the proper positioning of teeth which are improperly aligned by giving them proper shape and adjusting them by putting on braces, clear aligners, retainers, palate expanders etc. It helps straighten crooked teeth, helps with proper chewing of food, and improves their appearance. The proper age to get orthodontic treatment done is mostly childhood because the healing is speedy, along with fewer effects. This can only be done when there are enough teeth, and the requirement is genuine. If not followed properly there are many demerits of incomplete orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatments are performed with the help of various appliances to retrain muscles, slowly move teeth, and affect the jaw’s growth by placing gentle pressure on teeth and jaw. According to the dentist, there are fixed and removable appliances depending on the patient’s requirement.
Fixed appliances include braces, special fixed appliances, and fixed space maintainers.
Removable appliances include aligners, headgear, removable retainers, lip and cheek bumpers, palatal expanders, removable space maintainers, jaw repositioning appliances etc.
Every treatment has pros and cons; sometimes, the consequences should not be unnoticed. Improper and incomplete treatment does nothing. Instead, it deteriorates the condition in a worse way. It is a vital necessity; thus, appointments should be made with the dentist on a proper schedule.
Here are Some demerits of incomplete orthodontic treatment faced by patients
- Root resorption
Root resorption is a non-infectious decay of the complex and soft dental tissues that results from clastic cell activity. It is a pathological process that is asymptomatic. The symptoms associated with root resorption are toothache stemming from the roots, swelling and redness of gums, loosening of teeth, irregular gaps between teeth, dark spots on teeth, cavity-like holes near the gum line, and brittleness of teeth.
Tooth resorption affects the root of the tooth, the interior pulp of the tooth, Dentin, the second hardest tissue of the body; Cementum, the covering of the tooth’s root. The best approach to prevent root resorption is by considering the risk factors involved and discussing them with the patient.
- Pulpal changes during orthodontic treatment
Pulpal reactions though minimal, leading to inflammatory responses. Pre-treatment periapical radiographs of previously traumatized teeth are essential for comparative purposes. The usage of heavy and uncontrolled, continuous forces by the orthodontist or round tripping of the teeth may lead to loss of pulp vitality. Therefore, the orthodontist should use optimal light forces during treatment to avoid such injuries.
- Periodontal disease
The periodontal reaction takes place because of different factors. Some of them are host resistance, the presence of systemic conditions, and the amount and composition of dental plaque. Bacteria in dental plaque are the primary causative agent in causing periodontal disease, especially when the appliances are fixed. It tends to increase the bacterial count and also changes the bacterial type, which increases the problem.
Periodontal disease includes periodontitis, gingivitis, and loss of attached gingival support. However, fixed orthodontic treatment may lead to localized gingivitis which rarely progresses to periodontitis. In addition to these, lifestyle problems such as smoking and problem of diabetes are also factors under which orthodontic treatments should not be performed.
- Decalcification of teeth and caries
Decalcification of enamel is a common problem faced by many people who get orthodontic treatment, affecting the maxillary incisors. Decalcification of teeth is also a significant reason behind cavitation. These develop within four weeks, the typical period for orthodontic follow-up. The de calcification precaution includes plaque control through brushing the teeth with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing teeth carefully with proper dental floss and rinsing with a 0.02% or 0.05% sodium fluoride solution which helps minimize de calcification of enamel.
- Temporomandibular joint disease (TMD)
TMD is a medical condition of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint disc, masticatory muscle pain, and degenerative TMJ disorders. These can be different problems or can be a combination. In the general untreated adult population, 26–59% have been shown to report at least one symptom of TMD. Additionally, 48–86% of the general population shows at least one of the signs.
Teeth sensitivity is a common problem that may happen after orthodontic treatment. This is because the alveolar bone, the part of the jaw bone holding the teeth in place surrounding the teeth, recedes during orthodontic treatment. This is associated with tooth sensitivity problems while eating cold and hot food.
- Jaw ache and bleeding gums
Jaw ache is one of the most common problems that patients deal with throughout the treatment session, especially during the tightening of braces. Traditional braces tend to make cuts inside the mouth and gums and take time to adapt. Chewing food and bad breath is something patients deal with when they have braces because it comes on the way while chewing and also while brushing.
- Allergies
Some patients tend to get allergic reactions from certain orthodontic appliances during the treatment. Latex is the most common form in which allergic reactions start taking place. This should keep in mind and immediately informed for safety. Some products do not have such allergic formulas—latex-free rubber is one such product.
Final Thoughts
Thus, orthodontic treatment though done by many, should only be performed when necessary. It is not a beauty enhancement procedure but a medical treatment for teeth that are not in place and improperly aligned. Patients with mild protruded and severely protruded teeth (forwardly placed teeth, both in the upper and lower jaws) must be distinguished. The correction should only be done when necessary, with proper knowledge of the treatment and under the supervision of a certified dentist. The post-care regime is also as crucial as getting the treatment done, or it may lead to improper dental hygiene. It is better to get no treatment done than to leave it incomplete. Henceforth, complete pre-care, post care and complete orthodontic treatment should be ensured to avoid any problem that might crop up because of negligence and lack of proper care.
