As with all dental procedures, there are risks to wearing braces. You should discuss risks as well as benefits with your orthodontist. Possible problems include:
Cavities and gum disease: If teeth aren't cared for properly during treatment, chances for these problems increase.
Root resorption (root shortening): Normally, your teeth are anchored to your jaw by long, pointed roots. In rare instances, the teeth appear to respond to orthodontic treatment by attacking themselves at the root. This cannot be diagnosed until orthodontic treatment is almost finished. On an x-ray, the roots appear blunted or flattened. Root resorption is not a dangerous condition, if your gum line is normal. However, if your gums appear to be receding and the underlying bone is also receding, then root resorption can potentially lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Changes in tooth position: Teeth can shift after treatment. Using a retainer can minimize this risk.
Damage to a tooth: If teeth aren't well cared for during treatment, permanent loss of calcium can occur around brackets and under bands.
Irritation of the mouth: Loose or broken braces can cause this.
Longer treatment time than expected: Rates of bone growth and poor patient cooperation are might contribute. But the projected treatment time is just an educated guess. It may change during treatment.
You might have noticed an important trend here. With the exception of root resoprtion, most of the risks are linked to patient cooperation. You can minimize risks by being careful to keep teeth clean, keeping orthodontic appointments, calling the doctor for problems, and following directions.
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