Common Problems with Braces Stockton, CA

While wearing braces, patients throughout California and elsewhere, are at a greater risk for developing gum disease. This condition typically occurs as a result of bacteria building up along the gum line. As the bacteria become trapped in between the gums and teeth, it can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and irritation. If left untreated the condition may worsen to the point that the gums start to recede, and pockets in the gum tissue are created. This can lead to further irritation, bone loss and decay. People wearing braces are at a particular risk for this condition because of how difficult it is to clean around the gums. Drs. Suliman and Benninger can show you how to properly clean your teeth in order to prevent gum disease.

As with gum disease, it is difficult to clean teeth while wearing braces, leading to an increased risk of getting a cavity. The metal brackets and wires that are placed onto your teeth create spaces where food, bacteria, and plaque can easily become trapped. At Suliman Orthodontics, we recommend that patients use special tools to brush around their brackets and take extra time to make sure that teeth get as clean as possible. Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is another way to prevent cavities.

One of the common problems with braces is the staining that can occur. As people eat and drink, food can gather around the brackets, and if not removed in time, a stain can develop. Additionally, since it is difficult to clean teeth many people will end up with a white spot where the bracket was with the rest of the tooth looking yellow and dingy. This problem is even more common with children since it is harder for them to take care of their teeth and braces. We recommend that Stockton adults have a teeth whitening procedure after getting braces removed in order to remove any stains that have developed during the course of the treatment.

This common problem is something that people throughout California struggle with. It is typically caused by the food that you eat along with an infection or poor oral hygiene. In addition to staying away from garlic, we recommend that people have their teeth cleaned several times a year in order to remove plaque and bacteria that could be causing the smell. People that wear braces or an oral appliance need to be careful to brush thoroughly because things like a retainer can easily hold onto smells.

Drs. Suliman and Benninger helps patients to avoid common problems with braces and demineralization is near the top of the list. This condition can occur due to acid attacking the teeth. People that suffer from acid reflux or eat foods that are high in acid content are at the greatest risk for this occurring. When it does white, scar-like marks can form on the teeth near where the bracket once was. This can also create extreme sensitivity since in demineralization the enamel is broken down, leaving both dentin and nerve endings exposed.

As an orthodontist, we find that many of our patients will get a loose bracket at some point during their treatment. The brackets are secured to the teeth using a resin composite. When eating foods that are hard like nuts, the bracket can become loose or even pop off. This can lead to severe discomfort for the surrounding cheeks. We suggest using a special wax that can be placed around and on top of the bracket until you can get to our office. This will help you to remain comfortable.