Will you regret getting orthodontic treatment for your teeth?

Oct 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, whether one regrets orthodontic treatment depends on the specific circumstances. When teeth have obvious misalignment or abnormal occlusion that affects both health and appearance, orthodontics usually leads to no regret. However, if the teeth are in good condition and treatment is pursued unnecessarily or blindly, regret may occur. To achieve better orthodontic results and minimize discomfort, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene and brush teeth promptly after meals.

In general, whether one regrets orthodontic treatment depends on the specific circumstances. Orthodontics usually does not lead to regret when there are clear dental issues such as misalignment or abnormal bite that affect health and appearance; however, if teeth are in good condition and orthodontic treatment is pursued unnecessarily and blindly, regret may follow. The details are as follows:

If severe crowding, protruding teeth (overjet), underbite ("crossbite"), or similar problems exist, these conditions can easily lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and may also affect facial contours. In such cases, undergoing orthodontic treatment can improve both dental function and aesthetics, enhancing self-confidence, and regret is uncommon afterward. During orthodontic treatment, it's important to follow medical advice and attend regular check-ups as scheduled.

If teeth are already well-aligned and the bite is normal, pursuing orthodontics solely for minor aesthetic improvements may result in regret due to discomfort during treatment—such as tooth soreness, difficulty eating—and the inconvenience of wearing braces over a long period, which can disrupt daily life. Orthodontic treatment in such cases is not recommended without clear necessity.

To achieve better orthodontic results and minimize discomfort, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth promptly after meals, use dental floss to clean between teeth, and avoid eating overly hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to braces or interference with treatment outcomes.

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Can patients with periodontitis undergo orthodontic treatment?

In general, whether a patient with periodontitis can undergo orthodontic treatment depends on the control of their condition. Orthodontic treatment is usually possible once periodontitis has stabilized and inflammation is under control, but it is not recommended during active disease phases. To ensure successful orthodontic treatment, patients with periodontitis must maintain strict daily oral hygiene, brushing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush morning and night, and using dental floss and interdental irrigators to clean between teeth.

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Can orthodontic treatment improve protruding teeth?

In general, whether orthodontic treatment can improve protruding mouth depends on the specific cause of the protrusion. If considering dental correction, it is recommended to first consult a professional orthodontist. Prior to undergoing orthodontic treatment, a comprehensive examination should be conducted at a reputable dental institution, including oral CT scans and lateral cephalometric radiographs, to determine the underlying cause and severity of the protrusion; based on the examination results.

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Can you still correct your teeth at the age of 40?

At this stage, a suitable orthodontic method can be chosen based on the individual's dental condition. For instance, clear aligners offer aesthetic advantages and are easy to clean, making them ideal for individuals concerned about appearance; traditional metal braces are cost-effective and better suited for more noticeable dental misalignments. Although the treatment duration may be slightly longer than for adolescents (typically 2–3 years), ideal results can still be achieved with proper treatment.

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How long after periodontitis treatment can orthodontic treatment begin?

In general, orthodontic treatment can begin 1 to 3 months after periodontitis therapy, but the exact timing should be determined based on the severity of periodontitis and the individual's recovery progress. If periodontitis is mild, with only symptoms such as gingival redness and swelling and minimal dental calculus, and if gingival inflammation resolves quickly after basic treatment and the oral environment becomes stable, orthodontic suitability can typically be evaluated around one month after treatment.