Are there any side effects of orthodontic treatment?

In the medical field, treating diseases may sometimes produce side effects, such as drug side effects or scars left from surgery. In comparison, the side effects of orthodontic treatment are very minor, while the treatment effects of orthodontics are significant.

So, what impacts might orthodontic treatment have?

1. Effects on the pulp

In the early stages of treatment, there may be a mild and temporary inflammatory response within the pulp, which manifests as pain or discomfort for patients during the first few days after force is applied. However, experiments have shown that this impact has no clinical significance.

2. Effects on the roots

During orthodontic treatment, resorption and hyperplasia occur on the tooth root surface as part of the reconstruction process. After treatment, the root can repair itself and return to normal. However, if excessive force is applied during treatment, it could increase the risk of root resorption.

3. Effects on alveolar bone height

People who have undergone orthodontic treatment will experience a slight reduction in alveolar bone height. This is due to wearing braces making it harder to maintain oral hygiene, increasing the chance of gingivitis, which has some effect on the alveolar bone. After treatment, the alveolar bone will no longer continue to absorb. If good oral hygiene is maintained, the alveolar bone will gradually return to normal.

4. Teeth become loose

Under normal circumstances, each tooth has a certain degree of physiological mobility to buffer chewing pressure and prevent dental trauma. During orthodontic treatment, the looseness of the teeth increases, which is a normal reaction. For teeth to move, they require reconstruction of the alveolar bone and periodontal membrane. Since teeth are fixed in the alveolar bone by the periodontal membrane, they will become loose. But once the teeth stop moving after being corrected to their normal position, they can stabilize again through their own repair capabilities without causing permanent damage. Therefore, if clinically significant excessive tooth mobility is observed, the application of force should be paused, allowing recovery for a period before continuing to apply force.

In summary, orthodontic treatment aims to achieve treatment effects while ensuring that tooth movement is as close as possible to a physiological state, which is why orthodontic treatment takes a relatively long time. However, this benefits the health of oral tissues.

If you have any questions about the above content, feel free to consult the dentists at the 454th Hospital of the PLA. Our experts will provide you with more detailed and professional answers.

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