A tongue ring with braces is a piercing on the tongue worn together with orthodontic braces on the teeth. It involves getting a small jewelry attached through a hole made on the tongue and wearing braces to align the teeth.
Can you have a tongue ring with braces? This is a common question asked by many teenage boys and girls these days. Having a tongue ring has become a fashion trend but it causes dilemma for those opting for braces treatment too.
While getting a tongue piercing may seem cooler and trendier, it is usually not recommended to have one while undergoing braces treatment. The barbell or jewelry in the tongue can interfere with the wires and brackets of braces. It may delay the treatment or cause damage to the new alignment of teeth. Oral hygiene also becomes difficult with both tongue ring and braces on.
Braces Key: How Does Tongue Ring Impact Braces?
A tongue ring can get in the way of braces. The metal bar or ball of the tongue piercing can press on braces wires and brackets. This may cause wires to loosen or brackets to fall off. It will be hard to chew and speak with the tongue ring catching on the braces.
The tongue ring may also lead to poor oral hygiene habits. It can be challenging to brush and floss properly with the ring in place. Food particles and dental plaque can get stuck behind or around the ring and braces. This raises the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
Does Tongue Ring Stop Braces From Working?
It is possible for a tongue ring to interfere with the process of teeth straightening through braces. The constant rubbing and knocking of the ring against brackets and wires may stop the gentle pressure braces apply on teeth from being fully effective. This could end up prolonging the overall treatment duration.
With the tongue ringæ¥ individual may also find it very difficult to keep the wire and elastics of braces clean. Germs and food debris left behind may prevent teeth from shifting into their correct positions as required. In such cases, braces may not be able to fulfill their function.
Can Tongue Ring Delay Braces Treatment?
Getting a tongue piercing while undergoing braces could potentially delay the estimated treatment timeframe set by the orthodontist. The frequent dislodging of wires or brackets from the interference of the ring may force the doctor to replace and adjust them repeatedly. This setbacks in the initial alignment process would ultimately delay the final results.
More visits than scheduled may also be needed to deal with complications arising from the mixture of tongue jewelry and braces. Treatment prolongation depends on the specific issues caused but delays from a few months to over a year cannot be ruled out. Extra costs are likely to be incurred for the extended orthodontic care required.
Will Tongue Ring Damage Braces And Aligned Teeth?
It is possible for the ball or barbell of a tongue piercing to apply unwanted pressure on braces wires, Eat Rice Crispy Treats With Braces brackets and aligned teeth over time. This persistent mechanical force increases the chances of cracks or damage developing in dental enamel and bonding material.
Incorrectly aligned teeth that were supposed to be stabilized through braces may also relapse to their original positions due to continual disturbance from the tongue ring. The invested treatment would go waste and need to be restarted for stable results. ThisBracket themselves also bear a risk of fractures if a forceful tongue ring catches on them during chewing.
Hard To Maintain Oral Hygiene With Tongue Ring And Braces
5 easy tips for maintaining oral hygiene with tongue ring and braces
- Brush gently using a soft bristled brush, paying special attention around the ring and behind/between braces.
- Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth and under wires near the piercing.
- Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce germs around jewellery and appliances.
- Ask the orthodontist for tips on proper ring cleaning to keep it from trapping debris on braces.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings to professionally remove any buildup that can’t be reached at home.
When Can You Get Tongue Pierced With Braces?
Braces Key: Are there times to get tongue piercing while wearing braces?
Once braces treatment is fully complete and retainers are being used well, getting a tongue pierced should not impact the dental treatment. By this stage, teeth would be aligned years ago and braces are simply holding the new positions.
Some orthodontists may consider tongue piercing after initial leveling and bonding when braces are in place but before the active tooth movement starts. Major appliances are not engaged yet at this preliminary phase.
Can You Get Tongue Piercing After Braces Removal?
It is generally safe to get your tongue pierced after the full braces treatment and all retainers phase is over. Orthodontists would give the clear for piercing once dentition has been stabilized for 6 months post-braces. The aligned teeth are then less likely to relapse from a tongue ring. Recovery from piercing is also easier without wires and brackets in the mouth.
Proper cleaning and wearing retainers as directed by the orthodontist must continue. But a tongue piercing would no longer disrupt the previous orthodontic correction at this point once all adjustments are complete.
Is It Okay To Get Tongue Pierced Between Braces Adjustments?
Getting a tongue pierced strictly between scheduled orthodontist visits for wire changes or other adjustments could be considered. However, risks are still present during the active tooth movement phase of treatment. Discomfort may arise and delays still possible from occasional catches on braces until full healing.
Complete oral hygiene and proper piercing care would also be challenging in the small window between visits. It is usually not worth troubling the ongoing process for purely cosmetic additions like a tongue ring. Most experts discourage piercings until after braces are fully removed.
What About Getting Tongue Pierced Before Starting Braces Treatment?
Many teens consider tongue piercing before braces to avoid limitations during the treatment. However, it is still not fully advisable. The new piercing would be at high risk of damage or rejection from subsequent wire adjustments and hardware in the mouth. Discomfort managing both would also likely delay the planned braces timing.
Full healing requires 2-4 months which overlaps with when braces are typically applied. It is better to have braces completed first to ensure the piercing integrates properly beforehand or wait entirely until after orthodontic correction is finished. The most suitable options are usually after braces or between final adjustments.
What Do Orthodontists Say About Tongue Rings And Braces?
Orthodontists do not generally recommend tongue piercing during braces treatment due to associated risks. Their perspective comes from professional expertise in dental alignment.
Braces Key: What Is The Orthodontic Perspective On This?
Orthodontists are trained to understand the intricate mechanics of tooth movement with appliances. They know how even small interferences can disrupt the delicate forces appliances apply. Though a tongue ring may seem harmless, orthodontists warn of issues it may cause mechanics and prolong treatment.
Do Orthodontists Allow Tongue Piercing During Braces Treatment?
Most orthodontists prefer to avoid any unnecessary obstacles during active treatment. Since tongue piercing is an elective procedure, they advise waiting until after braces when there is no appliance in place that could be impacted. Some may consider it only with proven commitment to hygiene and if wiring is not yet installed.
What Risks Do Orthodontists Point Out About Tongue Ring With Braces?
Orthodontists point out how the ring may catch on wires and brackets, making cleaning difficult and increasing risk of decay. They say it can slow treatment by interfering with proper positioning of teeth. Lingering pressures from rings may also cause relapse of corrected alignment or cracks in strengthening enamel.
Under What Conditions May An Orthodontist Consider Tongue Piercing?
A few orthodontists may allow piercing between final brace adjustments before retainers if patients agree to proper care. Most refuse unless fully done with braces to avoid temperance with the customized tooth movements already underway over months.
What Alternatives To Tongue Piercing Do Orthodontists Suggest?
Orthodontists commonly suggest waiting until after retention to consider tongue piercing. They provide options like new retainers, fun colors or discreet clear braces for those wanting changes during treatment. Most stress focusing on recommended hygiene and diets at each appointment is the best approach.
Making An Informed Decision
When considering getting a tongue pierced during orthodontic treatment, weighing pros and cons carefully with your orthodontist is important. An informed decision balanced advice from the expert with individual needs, ensures the best outcome for both oral piercing and straight teeth procedures.
Braces Key: Factors To Evaluate The Pros And Cons
Weighing the need for braces vs the desire for tongue piercing
Comparing factors like treatment goals, oral health, costs involved and risks of delays helps make a choice balancing self-expression against required medical alignment of teeth. Advice from professionals helps consider the implications of combining the two.
Deciding Between Postponing Piercing Or Prolonging Braces Treatment
For those committed to both, deciding whether postponing a single piercing is better than agreeing to multiple prolonged visits and added costs from potential setbacks requires reflection. Listing priorities facilitates the optimal timing choice.
Considering Orthodontist’s Advice And Individual Oral Health
Following expert medical opinions on someone’s specific conditions along with their own motives, convenience and finances enable weighing all aspects clearly. An informed consent then allows maximum benefits of either procedure.
The Importance Of Maintaining Proper Hygiene With Braces And Piercing
Adequate care prevents issues from either braces alone or with piercings. With dedication, complications are minimized but risks still exist. Weighing commitment to stringent hygiene is important before mixing the two treatments.
Frequently Asked Question
Does A Tongue Ring Interfere With Braces Treatment?
A tongue ring risks catching on wires and brackets, potentially slowing treatment.
Is It Hard To Clean With Both Tongue Ring And Braces?
Keeping teeth and appliances clean requires extra careful brushing and flossing.
Can I Get My Tongue Pierced After Removing Braces?
Once orthodontic treatment is fully complete, piercing shouldn’t impact prior alignment.
What If My Tongue Is Already Pierced Before Braces?
Some orthodontists may start aligning teeth while the piercing heals if committed to hygiene.
Do Orthodontists Allow Tongue Rings During Treatment?
Most prefer avoiding piercings that could disrupt the fragile tooth movement process.
Conclusion
The general advice is that it is usually not recommended to have a tongue ring while undergoing braces treatment due to the risks involved. While self-expression through piercings is important for many, it is best to prioritize the orthodontic correction process until it is fully complete. Only then can piercings be incorporated safely without impacting the results of dental alignment achieved through months of braces wear.
For those who already have an existing tongue ring or are partway through treatment, consulting the orthodontist is key. Following their guidance on maintenance of oral hygiene and any specific limitations ensures the best outcome for both procedures. An open discussion of risks can help make an informed choice balancing individual priorities and commitment to proper care.
