Everyone’s teeth are sensitive to some degree. Though they’re protected by calcified mineral known as enamel, teeth house a lot of nerves. Extreme temperatures can breach even the strongest enamel, causing you to feel discomfort in your mouth. For some, however, teeth sensitivity is a near constant issue. Just eating a snack or brushing your teeth can cause agitation.
If you have sensitive teeth, you may be concerned that orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign will only cause further discomfort. Does your sensitivity mean you simply have to live with misalignment and bite issues? Not necessarily. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at why some people’s teeth are so sensitive in the first place.
The Causes of Teeth Sensitivity
As we said earlier, your teeth are covered by enamel, a tough mineral that allows you to bite and chew. When enamel is worn down, it starts to expose the dentin beneath it. Unlike enamel, dentin contains nerves so when something comes into contact with it, you feel it. Enamel wear can stem from a number of things, including consuming too much sugar, not brushing/rinsing/flossing enough, brushing too hard, etc.
Eventually, damaged enamel will lead to cavities if it’s not taken care of. That’s why it’s important to regularly visit the dentist.
Beyond enamel issues, there are other conditions that can cause people to have sensitive teeth. Dentin hypersensitivity causes people to experience shooting pain in their teeth, typically when coming into contact with cold temperatures. Dentin hypersensitivity is typically caused by gum recession, acid erosion, dental bleaching, or teeth grinding (bruxism).
The best defense against teeth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
Orthodontic Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
The idea of having something constantly touching their teeth can be scary for someone with sensitive teeth. However, orthodontic treatment is still possible. In fact, since proper alignment can help with teeth grinding and excess wear, orthodontic treatment may actually help decrease your teeth’s sensitivity in the long run.
For anyone, there can be some minor agitation as their mouth adjusts to braces or Invisalign treatment. However, you mouth will quickly adapt, and soon, you’ll forget your brackets or trays are even there. Your orthodontist, as well as your dentist, may make recommendations to help manage sensitivity during your treatment.
Ultimately, orthodontic treatment is still an option for people with sensitive teeth. In fact, it’s a great step towards improving your overall oral health. For orthodontics in Beavercreek, Springfield, and Bellefontaine, Ohio, contact Dhingra Orthodontics today!
