If while wearing braces, you think your braces make your teeth worse looking than before you began. You may be right. DONT be alarmed, orthodontics is a process and your smile will straighten in stages. Your orthodontist will have planned for all movements and transitional changes during treatment. In this post, we’ll take you through the stages and what will happen in your mouth while you wear braces.
It is normal for teeth to get worse before they get better. Especially for the first few months. it may seem you’ve gone backward in straightening. REST ASSURED, this is common and planned for. This planning will have accounted for the stages of tooth movement administered by the devices. Let’s look at the stages…
Contents
Straight Teeth Progress in Stages
Stage 1:
The crowding will be relaxed and teeth will start to move. Having teeth removed will show an instant improvement in crowding. Those who don’t need teeth removed will see a change in alignment that may look worse. Alas, this is just a temporary thing.
It may seem teeth that were straight may now have moved into a crooked position. This is because the crowding is spread across the whole jaw or a section of multiple teeth. The movement at first will mean the crowding may worsen in a particular area.
You may suddenly have an overbite or an underbite where there was none before. The upper jaw and lower jaw will move in sync with the treatment plan and is not something to worry about. This is because the first stage allows the jaws to align and move in relation to the treatment.
Stage 2:
Stage one fixed the crowding and alignment. Stage two moves on to the arches. Arches control the bite. An open bite will change. The lower jaw will move so the top teeth overlap the bottom.
If you have a deep bite, the orthodontist will ‘open’ it showing more of the bottom teeth. This is done in tandem with the arches’ width. The upper and lower arches will eventually rest in the same relevant places. This is called ‘coordinate the arches.’
Stage 3:
The bite is last. Stage 3 and the final stage will bring about improvements in the bite. Overbite and underbite. The use of rubber bands and appliances will do this stage. Things like extractions or surgery will also be done at this stage if necessary.
By this time your teeth will be straight, but you must wait until the expert has agreed the teeth cannot be anymore positioned. You will be asking after the day removal of the braces will happen. Your teeth will look finished. But be patient, your ortho knows best.
What are the Negative Effects of Braces?
Root Resorption During Orthodontic Treatment
Root resorption during treatment is normal. This sounds scary but the resorption is so tiny that it’s not an issue. The treatment plan will have accounted for it. If you have treatment lasting 3 years or more then your orthodontist will have to take it into account.
Apical root resorption (ARR) means the breaking down of roots over time. This occurs when too much force is used to move the teeth. This also affects gum health in some cases.
In rare cases, long-term effects are felt by the tooth but these are rare and your ortho will know to look about for the possibility of it happening.
Do Braces Weaken The Teeth?
No. This is the short answer. Your teeth will move and your gums will absorb the movement. But the teeth will not damage or weaken. To keep teeth strong in any case you need to conduct good oral hygiene.
Especially around the teeth that have brackets and devices attached. Poor hygiene will weaken the enamel and leave teeth subject to gum disease. This is from sugars and nasties left by food particles. Oral health and the lack of gum disease are key to strong teeth, not orthodontics.
Why Did I Have Teeth Removed for Braces?
Straightening and aligning the teeth and jaw is an art form. Your orthodontist may remove a tooth if it will obstruct the movement of other teeth hindering the treatment plan.
Tell me the Procedure for Tooth Extraction
The dentist administers an anesthetic or oral antibiotic to the area to reduce pain. A tooth pulling device will then be used. A tooth is a strong thing and so are gums. A tooth will need PULLING. This is a quick action and you will be uncomfortable for a short time.
Conclusion
At Tisseront Orthodontics we have all the knowledge on wearing new braces. You will notice improvements and worsening happening frequently during treatment. Gum recession may also happen.
If you or your child seek orthodontic treatment but do not understand the stages, contact us and we will answer your questions. Clear aligners are also a great way to a perfect smile. You will have the same problem with thinking your teeth are worse.
Contact our office today to make an appointment to see Dr. Tisseront and his team. A discovery appointment is complimentary and easy to book.
I feel very fortunate to have found a profession as rewarding as the field of Orthodontics! For over 20 years, I have enjoyed creating custom, beautiful smiles for our family of patients all over the Northern Virginia area. You can even find some of our loyal patients across the country and abroad!
