The answer depends on one’s individual experience with braces. For some, braces can be a traumatic experience. Feelings of trauma around braces can come from a variety of sources, such as the physical pain associated with the installation and changes that are made over the course of treatment, worries about how one will appear during this time with braces, stress from balancing the cost of treatment with other expenses, as well as the feeling of being self-conscious or embarrassed having braces.
Many patients and their families also deal with the stress of not being able to eat certain foods while using braces, as well as having to commit to regular dental checkups and adjustments. For some, braces can also cause emotional stress and anxiety due to the duration of the treatment and worries about the outcome of the treatment.
Ultimately, everyone’s experience with braces is different and whether or not braces are considered traumatic can depend on the individual.
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Can braces give you anxiety?
Yes, braces can give you anxiety, especially if you are concerned about how it will affect your appearance and the impact it will have on your daily life. Anxiety can arise from the physical pain associated with braces, the anticipation of an unpleasant experience with the orthodontist or dentist, or the embarrassment of having friends, family, and strangers notice your braces.
It can also come from the feeling of having a limited amount of control over the duration or outcome of treatment.
In addition, there may be economic stressors associated with braces, such as the cost of treatment and other related costs that may be necessary depending on the individual’s needs. Similarly, a person may be experiencing anxiety stemming from peer pressure and the idea of being judged by others for having braces.
Luckily, there are ways to cope with the anxiety associated with braces. Working with your orthodontist to find the most comfortable and customized treatment plan for you can help ease your worries. Discussing feelings of anxiety with a family member or close friend is also beneficial.
Consulting with a mental health professional is another option, which can help you develop useful coping strategies and techniques to manage any difficulties that may arise.
What are the negative effects of braces?
The negative effects of braces can include pain and discomfort, difficulty eating, increased risk of cavities and gum disease, speech impediment, and time required for adjustments and other care.
Pain and discomfort: The most common negative effect associated with braces is pain and discomfort in the mouth due to the metal brackets and wires. This most often occurs when the braces are first applied.
It can take several days or even weeks for the mouth to adjust to the braces, and even then it may be uncomfortable to speak or eat with them inside the mouth.
Difficulty eating: Braces can make it difficult to eat certain foods. Since the metal brackets and wires can easily become damaged or bent, it’s important to avoid hard, chewy, and sticky foods that can get stuck in the teeth or pull against the braces.
Increased risk of cavities and gum disease: Having braces can make it more difficult to properly floss and brush, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
Speech impediment: While wearing braces, it can take some time to adjust to speaking with the metal brackets and wires inside the mouth. This can cause a slight speech impediment while they become used to the braces, although the impediments usually go away after a period of adjustment.
Time required for adjustments and other care: Another negative effect of braces is the time that must be devoted to adjustments and other necessary care. Braces must be adjusted and tightened periodically in order to move the teeth into the correct position, and this can require regular visits to the orthodontist.
Furthermore, braces must be regularly cleaned in order to prevent plaque buildup and other problems.
What is the age for braces?
No specific age can be given for when it might be appropriate to receive braces, as the need and timing vary depending on the individual and condition of their teeth. Typically, children should have an orthodontic checkup around age 7, as this is the time when the jaw and dental alignment begins to emerge.
While orthodontists often suggest that earlier preventive treatment might be helpful, braces usually become necessary during the preteen and teen years, between 11 and 16 years old. By this age, the adult teeth have all grown in and the orthodontist can evaluate if braces are necessary.
If a child is still experiencing changes in their teeth and alignment, they might need to wait a bit longer, typically until all the permanent teeth are in and the bite has stabilized. Some adults will also pursue orthodontic treatment when the teeth have shifted from childhood to adulthood and their bite is not ideal.
How do you deal with anxiety with braces?
Dealing with anxiety due to braces can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to help manage and cope with your anxiety.
First, it is important to develop a good coping and relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, yoga, or guided imagery. Doing things that make you feel relaxed, like taking a hot bath, going for a walk outside, or listening to music can also help soothe anxious emotions.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene when wearing braces. Cleaning your teeth and braces thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride mouth rinse will help prevent or reduce headaches, mouth and tooth pain.
Talking to your orthodontist regularly about any concerns or questions you have about wearing braces is also important. Your orthodontist can provide trip tips and tricks to make wearing braces more comfortable and to reduce anxiety.
It is also critical to maintain an open conversation with your family and friends. Reaching out to those close to you when feeling anxious or worried can help you feel more supported.
Finally, it is beneficial to remember this period in your life is only temporary. Reminding yourself that it is ok to feel anxious but that your braces will eventually be removed can help provide a sense of hope and positivity.
How do I stop my braces from stressing?
There are several strategies that can be employed to help manage the stress that comes with wearing braces.
First and foremost it is important to refrain from hiding your braces. Instead, make yourself feel more comfortable and confident by embracing how fabulous your smile looks with the braces. Let onlookers know that you don’t need to apologize for wearing braces, but instead be proud of them and the progress they are bringing to your overall oral health.
It can also be beneficial to talk openly with your orthodontist about your worries and concerns with wearing braces. Oftentimes they are able to provide ideas on specific ways to manage the stress commonly associated with them.
Your orthodontist will also be able to provide valuable information and education on any options and procedures that can help minimize the duration of your treatment plan.
Distracting yourself and staying active can also help keep your mind off of the stress that comes with wearing braces while giving you a greater sense of wellbeing. Ways of distracting yourself could include reading, listening to music, engaging in sports and outdoor physical activities, going out with friends, or just doing things that you enjoy.
Meditation and stress management practices such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or prayer can also help as these methods can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
Last but not least, understanding that the overall process of wearing braces is for your benefit may also be helpful. Knowing that in the end all the effort you are putting in will be worth it may help increase your motivation to get through all that braces require.
What are the effects of having braces on too long?
Having braces on for too long can causes a variety of issues. The most common is tooth decay, which is caused when food is stuck in between the braces and teeth and isn’t able to be brushed away properly.
Additionally, plaque buildup can form and bacteria can increase, leading to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Another problem is that if braces are left on too long, they may become loose or even start to come apart due to the continued pressure and movement of the teeth and bone. This can lead to brackets breaking off, bands coming loose and archwires shifting, not to mention discomfort and additional visits to the orthodontist to fix the issue.
Finally, wearing braces for too long can cause excessive stress to the jaws and gums. This can cause headaches, pain in the jaws, shifting of other teeth and undue stress on the facial muscles. It is important to go for check-ups with your dentist regularly to make sure that braces aren’t on for too long.
Do braces cause problems later in life?
Braces can cause problems later in life if they are not properly removed or maintained. In some cases, teeth may move back to their original position after braces are taken off, resulting in misalignment, bite problems, and long-term issues.
It is important to work closely with your orthodontist to properly clean and maintain your braces so that you can have a healthy, long-term smile. Additionally, it is important to wear retainers as instructed in order to prevent teeth from shifting back.
With proper care, braces usually do not cause any kind of long-term problems.
At what age are you too old for braces?
Most orthodontic treatments provide a range of ages for their patients, with some allowing for braces to be put on as early as seven or eight years old and others providing treatments to adults in their seventies and beyond.
Every patient is different, and the age at which braces become inappropriate will depend largely on the individual’s oral health and dental condition.
Braces are a very personal choice and can be beneficial at any age. If a patient has a misaligned bite, crowded teeth, or other dental conditions that can be corrected with braces, then age should not be a determining factor.
A qualified orthodontic professional can assess the patient’s oral health and make a recommendation as to the best course of treatment.
Regardless of age, any patient considering braces should consider their overall health, the length of treatment involved, and their financial situation to ensure the braces are an appropriate choice.
While braces are becoming increasingly affordable, the cost is still an important factor in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the patient’s age should not necessarily preclude them from considering braces, especially if they have been recommended by an orthodontic professional.
Can braces deteriorate your teeth?
Yes, braces can deteriorate your teeth if not taken care of properly. Braces consist of metal, ceramic, or plastic brackets that are bonded to the front of your teeth and connected with a metal archwire.
If left unattended, the metal archwire can cause tiny cuts on your cheeks and lips. You should always be sure to maintain proper oral hygiene with braces to reduce the risk of the archwire causing damage and irritation to your mouth.
Additionally, improper brushing with braces can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, resulting in both tooth decay and gum disease. To reduce the likelihood of deteriorating teeth due to braces, be sure to floss and brush your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist regularly.
Do braces weaken teeth roots?
No, braces do not weaken teeth roots. In fact, braces can help strengthen teeth roots. When the brackets, bands, and wires of braces are put on, it places gentle pressure on the teeth and encourages them to move into better positions.
The teeth are also held firmly in place, which can help the roots of the teeth adjust and become stronger. Some people may experience temporary sensitivity when braces are placed on their teeth, but this usually subsides over time.
Additionally, proper care of braces and regular visits to the dentist can also help prevent teeth from loosening and destabilizing. In some cases, braces can actually improve the anchoring of teeth in the jawbone.
What are the disadvantages of metal braces?
The biggest disadvantage of metal braces is that they can be quite uncomfortable and can cause mouth sores and cuts. In addition to being uncomfortable, metal braces can also be quite visible. They can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed of your smile, especially in social environments.
Furthermore, metal braces can be quite challenging to clean and keep clean. And since metal brackets are somewhat magnetically attracted to each other, food can easily get stuck in between them and cause staining on the teeth.
Metal braces also require frequent adjustments, and people sometimes have to wear them for a long period of time, which can be difficult. Finally, metal braces can also be pretty expensive and require frequent visits to the orthodontist to make adjustments and tightness.
