Getting braces is perceived as a big deal, be it kids, teenagers or adults. Those with misaligned, crowded or excessively spaced teeth are often recommended one of the most common orthodontic treatments for teeth straightening – dental braces.
Straight or correctly aligned teeth are extremely important for good dental health. The orthodontic treatment of getting braces can be a bit expensive and time-consuming. Besides, it also takes some time to get used to these braces. Every routine activity such as eating, speaking, cleaning teeth can become a bit tedious. This is generally the phase when you should talk to your orthodontist and understand the frequency and nature of adjustments you may require.
Some might try and remove the teeth braces by themselves. If you too wear braces and have thought of removing them yourself rather than consulting an orthodontist, this article is for you. It will help you understand the nature of various risks involved in removing braces yourself.
Risks Involved in Removing Braces Yourself
One of the top reasons you may consider removing the braces yourself is the feeling of discomfort. But, the feeling of discomfort is normal because of the forced movement of teeth and the surrounding sensory organs. However, you should know that there are numerous risks involved in taking matters into your own hands for removing your braces. Listed below are some such potential risks you might experience if you remove the braces yourself rather than with professional help which involves appropriate orthodontic tools.
- Permanent Teeth Can be Lost
The highest risk involved in self-removal of dental braces is that of losing permanent tooth. If the braces are removed before the prescribed duration of treatment, the teeth don’t get enough time to set in to their correct position. Also, when a tooth is moving to the desired location, it is vulnerable. It is shifting its position in the upper bone, which makes it loose. Such loose teeth can come out if you remove the dental braces by yourself with force.
- Teeth may Shift
Braces removed forcefully without correct insertion of spacers, wires, brackets and other appropriate orthodontic appliances may result in loose teeth which can shift back in misaligned position. Once dental braces are removed, the teeth are free to move in any direction and shifting of teeth can happen in as little as one week. This is also one of the reasons why patients after the orthodontic treatment of braces are prescribed the use of retainers. Retainers are orthodontic appliances which help retain teeth in proper location post the treatment of braces, until it is deemed necessary.
- Can Result in Cavities
Using plain tools to remove your braces by yourself may cause scratches, abrasions and chips on your teeth, thus making your teeth prone to bacterial growth and eventually cavities. Also, excessive force applied to remove the braces in the process of self-removal may impact the quality of tooth enamel. Deteriorated tooth enamel may also increase the risk of cavities.
- May Cause Severe Pain
The pain of removing dental braces yourself is much worse than what you may experience if the braces are removed with orthodontic appliances. This is because orthodontic tools are specially designed to deliver efficient results with negligible pain. If you use plain tools or no tools, the process of removal becomes more complicated and it may also cause excruciating pain.
- Wastage of Time and Money
Self-removal of teeth straightening braces essentially means that all of your time and money invested for this orthodontic treatment is wasted. The time you invested in all the appointments due to which you missed school or work and the money you invested for this orthodontic treatment is also wasted. Besides, you may have to spend extra money and time to fix the damage that is done by self-removal without the use of appropriate orthodontic appliances.
- May Lead to Infections
Excessive pressure is applied on gums also if the braces are removed without appropriate orthodontic tools. This may cause bleeding in gums and eventually lead to serious infections. This is because an open wound in gums becomes a breeding ground for disease causing bacteria which are the root cause of infections.
You may forget how crucial it is for you to stick to strict rules related to the orthodontic treatment of braces within a few weeks of getting them. Or, you may simply tire from the discomfort they cause you. However, rather than taking matters into your hands, consult your orthodontist. Options such as Invisalign are also available. It is an advanced type of clear aligner, which is removable. It helps straighten teeth with negligible to no pain or discomfort and can be removed while eating or cleaning teeth.
Remember, professional orthodontic consultation is important to ensure that the braces are removed without causing any damage to your teeth and gums and the results of this orthodontic treatment are maintained.
