There are several reasons patients may be hesitant to start orthodontic treatment with braces, such as appearances or having to limit themselves to softer foods. Another concern that’s less common, but still valid, is the concern of having an allergic reaction to braces. So, what’s the deal with braces and allergic reactions?
Can Braces Cause Allergic Reactions?
If you’ve never heard about the possibility of having an allergic reaction to braces, we don’t blame you if it sounds a little far-fetched. However, some types of braces have been known to cause adverse reactions in a few patients. Most notably, this allergic reaction is associated with the use of brackets and wires made from nickel.
While this material is great for making effective braces, the main drawback is that some people are allergic to nickel. In some patients with nickel braces, the material can cause inflammation along with an itching or burning sensation. While it won’t actually damage the skin, the symptoms associated with a nickel allergy aren’t very pleasant.
Another type of allergy that can be associated with braces is a latex allergy. Thankfully, this condition affects only about 1% of the population, but if you have a latex allergy, you should tell your orthodontist before you begin treatment. Since the ligatures used on traditional braces are made from natural rubber latex, it’s important to know if you’ve experienced allergic reactions to latex in the past.
Latex allergies can also come into play during orthodontic or other types of medical appointments because of the gloves worn during exams. Simply telling the staff at the office that you are allergic to latex can prevent you from having a reaction since they will know to use a different type of glove.
Braces at Smith Orthodontics
When you choose Smith Orthodontics, you can rest assured that you or your child’s set of braces will be allergen-free. Our braces are made using stainless steel instead of nickel, which gets rid of the risk of developing an allergic reaction to the brackets and wires.
We also carry self-ligating braces, which eliminate the need for traditional rubber ligatures. So if you or your child has a latex allergy, you can look into this option as well.
Another alternative to traditional braces you can look into is ceramic braces. The brackets on this type of braces are made from medical-grade ceramic instead of metal and blend in with your teeth. So not only will you not have to worry about any potential allergens, but you will also enjoy a less cluttered looking smile while you straighten your teeth.
Invisalign
You can also avoid any potential allergic reaction related to braces by choosing Invisalign. Made from a safe, comfortable plastic material, these invisible aligners straighten teeth while staying discreet.
Not only will you not have any visible appliances on your teeth when you choose Invisalign, but you may also enjoy better comfort due to not having any brackets or wires. The smooth surface of the plastic aligners will help you avoid any scraping or discomfort sometimes associated with getting braces installed for the first time.
Here at Smith Orthodontics, we’ll help you find the orthodontic treatment solution that works just right for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
