Among the most chronic health issues in the world, diabetes is considered a major health hazard as it affects so many associated organs. Diabetic people experience delayed healing and often worry if they should go for orthodontic treatment, quoted an Orthodontist in Vasant Vihar.  

Orthodontic treatment can help realign teeth and contribute to the development of a confident personality. It is safe for people with diabetes to get braces, provided they take some additional care and management.

Read on to know more about Diabetes and Orthodontic Treatments

Diabetes's impact on oral tissues:

Diabetes affects the healing process. Blood circulation in the gums is altered, which involves the alignment and structure of the teeth.

Dental issues in people with diabetes:

Along with tooth structure and alignment, gum disease is more prevalent in people with diabetes, which can also lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth reduces the body's ability to fight infections, and this can increase the risk of tooth cavities.

Problems with braces:

Orthodontic treatment focuses on maintaining the health of the gums and bones, and it is highly recommended for individuals with diabetes. Pre-existing gum problems can worsen if not properly addressed.

Braces for diabetic people:

Yes, braces are possible, but only under good diabetic control. Orthodontists typically recommend treatment if:

• Blood glucose levels are stable and under regular medical supervision
• There are no severe ongoing gum infections
• The patient demonstrates commitment to excellent oral hygiene.

Risk Factors:

Poorly controlled diabetes may increase the chances of treatment complications. Healing delays may lead to longer treatment times or incomplete results.

Blood vessels are thickened in diabetes, slowing the delivery of nutrients to the gums and teeth, which causes several issues and delays healing.

Benefits of Orthodontic management for Diabetics:

• Individuals with diabetes need to maintain good hygiene. Gum inflammation can be reduced with improved hygiene, which is easier to maintain with straighter, aligned teeth, as they are more easily brushed and flossed.
• Periodontal risks can be reduced with increased dental care and correctly aligned teeth.
• A balanced nutrient uptake is maintained when food is chewed properly, and the good structure of teeth helps in managing the diet.

Challenges

• Slower tooth movement:

Teeth alignment and movement depend on bone remodeling, as bone metabolism changes in people with diabetes, resulting in slower processes.

• Increased gum problems:

Food particles in braces can cause several gum diseases and should be cleaned properly, especially in individuals with diabetes.

• Mouth ulcers and infections:

Brackets and wires of braces can cause minor injuries and damage soft tissues inside the mouth. These injuries are more complex to heal and take a longer time in a diabetic person.

Necessary Precautions

Medical clearance:

Consultations with an endocrinologist or a regular physician are essential for a diabetic person before the orthodontist appointment, to maintain the HbA1c level within an appropriate range and avoid any issues with the braces treatment procedure and healing.

The orthodontist should consult with the physician to ensure the test results in case of any doubts.

Regular visits:

Regular check-ups with an orthodontist in Delhi are necessary for maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. It is recommended that individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment for braces visit their dentist for regular check-ups every 3-4 months.  

Dietary care:

The extra sugar content in food is harmful to teeth, especially for individuals with diabetes. Sticky food should also be avoided for better braces care.

Emergencies:

A person with diabetes should always be prepared for emergencies and keep glucose tablets or energy snacks on hand during a long orthodontist appointment for braces or aligners.

Monitoring during treatment:

Gums and periodontal tissues are checked regularly. X-rays help in analyzing bone structures and changes in bone alignment over time after braces treatment.

Treatment modifications:

Lighter orthodontic forces may be applied to minimize tissue stress. These are more frequent and shorter appointments for the convenience of a diabetic person.

Alternatives:

• Clear aligners/Invisalign and Lingual braces:

Invisaligns are easily removable and easily cleaned, but lingual braces are fixed on the inner surfaces of teeth, though still harder to clean.

• Retainers for minor corrections:

It may be suitable for minor alignment issues that do not require full orthodontic treatment.

• Active severe gum disease:

Braces should not be applied until periodontal issues are treated.

Why choose a good orthodontist to get braces when you have diabetes?

Orthodontists are medically trained professionals who closely examine a patient's medical history and the structure of their teeth before starting treatment to prevent harm to the bones in the oral cavity while aligning or straightening them. 

A good orthodontist can help you with the best dental treatment when you have diabetes and other health concerns. One can meet Dr. Ravneet Kaur, an orthodontist in Delhi, if they are seeking safe and effective orthodontic and braces treatment in Delhi for individuals with diabetes. She can help one with all types of brace treatments. Consult her today.