Mistakes Patients Make While Wearing Braces: Causes of Relapse & Delayed Treatment – A Rising Concern for Indian Patients.
Braces are an investment in a healthier, straighter smile, but the process requires patience, discipline, and care. Many patients, unknowingly or due to negligence, engage in habits that delay progress or even cause relapse after the braces are removed. In countries like India, the situation is further worsened by a common lack of awareness about oral hygiene, irregular follow-ups, and dietary negligence. Let’s discuss the most common mistakes patients make while wearing braces and how to avoid them for a smooth and effective treatment journey.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the biggest issues with braces is maintaining proper oral hygiene. Food particles easily get trapped in brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum infections. Unfortunately, many patients are careless about brushing and flossing properly, which results in gum inflammation (gingivitis) and even tooth decay. If the gums are infected, the teeth don’t move as efficiently, leading to longer treatment durations.
Solution: Brush after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use an inter-dental brush or water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Eating the Wrong Foods
Orthodontists advise avoiding sticky, chewy, or hard foods, but in India, where crunchy snacks (like samosas, chikkis, or pani puri) and sticky sweets (like jalebis, laddoos) are a daily indulgence, many patients ignore dietary restrictions. Biting into hard foods can break brackets and wires, requiring emergency visits and delaying treatment.
Solution: Stick to soft foods and avoid biting directly into hard fruits or crunchy snacks. Cut foods into smaller pieces before eating.
- Skipping Orthodontic Appointments
Many patients tend to miss follow-up visits, assuming they aren’t urgent. Whether due to a busy schedule, laziness, or the common “chalega” attitude, skipping appointments means adjustments aren’t made on time, delaying results.
Solution: Prioritize your orthodontic check-ups as they are essential for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.
- Not Wearing Elastics (Rubber Bands) Properly
Elastics play a vital role in aligning the bite. However, many patients forget or neglect to wear them as prescribed. In India, children and teenagers are often not monitored by parents regarding their elastic use, further prolonging their treatment.
Solution: Always wear rubber bands as per the orthodontist’s instructions to avoid delays.
- Playing with Braces
Some patients develop habits like tongue thrusting, biting nails, or pulling at brackets with their fingers. These habits cause damage to the braces, resulting in misalignment and the need for repairs.
Solution: Be conscious of these habits and avoid unnecessary pressure on braces.
- Ignoring Broken Brackets or Wires
Many patients tend to adopt a ‘wait-and-watch’ approach when a bracket or wire breaks. Delaying repairs can reverse the progress made, increasing treatment time.
Solution: Contact your orthodontist immediately if a wire or bracket breaks. Don’t wait until the next scheduled visit.
- Not Wearing Retainers After Braces
One of the biggest causes of relapse (teeth shifting back to their original position) is the failure to wear retainers. Unfortunately, many patients neglect this step, assuming that once the braces are removed, the treatment is complete. Without retainers, teeth can move back, making all the effort with braces go to waste.
Solution: Wear retainers as directed by your orthodontist to maintain results.
- Grinding Teeth (Bruxism)
Some patients unknowingly grind their teeth while sleeping, which puts stress on braces and slows down progress. This issue is often ignored until it causes significant problems.
Solution: If you have a grinding habit, talk to your orthodontist about using a night guard.
- Smoking or Excessive Caffeine Consumption (Specific For Adults With Braces)
Smoking affects gum health, while excessive tea and coffee consumption causes staining and dryness. Poor gum health can slow down tooth movement and lead to complications in braces treatment.
Solution: Reduce caffeine intake and avoid smoking to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- Not Following the Dentist’s Instructions
Many patients believe they know better than their orthodontist and ignore instructions, whether regarding oral hygiene, diet, or rubber band wear. In India, the tendency to seek advice from relatives or friends instead of following professional recommendations often worsens the situation.
Solution: Always follow the orthodontist’s advice for the best treatment outcome.
How to Ensure Fast & Effective Braces Treatment?
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene.
- Follow dietary restrictions.
- Attend all scheduled orthodontic visits.
- Wear elastics and retainers as advised.
- Avoid bad habits like nail-biting or chewing hard objects.
At Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd, we ensure expert orthodontic care with personalized guidance for every patient. Located at GE-78, Rajdanga Main Road, Sector G, East Kolkata Township, Kolkata 700107, West Bengal, India (near Kasba Ruby Hospital, Taj Vivanta Hotel, GST Bhavan), we help you achieve a perfect smile with minimal delays.
Book your appointment today at www.thesmileydental.com and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile!
Edited by Dr Sourav Ghosh, Chief Consultant at Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd
