Braces & Facial Piercings...What You Need To Know

Facial piercings in lips, tongue and cheeks have become popular forms of self-expression however we strongly advise you to think carefully about the oral health risks associated, especially if you are considering orthodontic treatment.

Lip rings rub against your teeth and scratch the surface, over time they may even wear a groove in them. For patients with braces, there is a chance that oral piercing jewellery can catch on the brackets causing discomfort or damage to the orthodontic appliances, which could lengthen your treatment time.

Other problems associated with oral piercing jewellery include increased risk of infection from touching them or getting food caught around the piercing site, tooth sensitivity, gum damage and gum recession.

If you have oral piercings and you are considering orthodontic treatment, it is advisable to take the opportunity to remove the jewellery and allow the piercing site to heal over. If you are investing time and money in improving your smile, it is equally important to invest in the health of your teeth and gums.