When brackets or wires are damaged, teeth may stop moving as planned. This can result in longer treatment times, additional adjustment appointments, and potential discomfort.
Sticking to good braces care habits supports your progress and protects your investment in a healthy, confident smile.
Common Habits That Can Damage Braces
Protecting your braces comes down to awareness and consistency. Thoughtful food choices, careful cleaning, and open communication with your orthodontist support better results and can reduce the risk of setbacks.
Eating Hard Foods
One of the leading causes of broken brackets and wires is biting into hard foods. Here are some examples of foods that may cause loosening, breaking, or bending of braces.
- Ice
- Hard candies or lollipops
- Nuts and seeds
- Popcorn kernels
- Raw carrots, apples, or other crisp fruits and vegetables
- Hard breads or pizza crust
- Corn on the cob
If you do want to eat foods like carrots or apples, cut them into small, manageable pieces or consider steaming vegetables to soften them. Avoid biting directly into anything that feels hard to the touch.
Eating Sticky or Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy foods, even if they are soft, can snag or pull on brackets and wires, affecting their shape or even breaking them. Reconsider choices like these:
- Caramel, toffee, and gummy candies
- Chewing gum
- Taffy or licorice
- Dense bagels or tough bread rolls
Opt for softer snacks, and if in doubt, consult your orthodontic team for a complete list of safe foods.
Chewing on Non-Food Items
It’s common to unconsciously chew on non-food items such as pens, pencils, fingernails, or even straws and hoodie strings. While it may initially occur without you even realizing it, these objects can bend wires, break brackets, or irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth.
Becoming aware of this tendency is an important first step. You may find it helpful to keep objects out of reach when you’re working, studying, or feeling anxious. If you find yourself reverting to the habit, try to redirect your attention with healthier stress management techniques.
Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Braces naturally create more spaces where food debris and dental plaque can accumulate. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and orthodontic hardware. It contains bacteria, food particles, and other materials. If plaque is not removed thoroughly, it can lead to gum inflammation, tooth decay, and even white spots on the teeth.
Maintaining good hygiene will help protect your teeth and gums while you are wearing braces, making your orthodontic treatment healthier and more predictable.
Ignoring Orthodontist Instructions
If instructions are not followed correctly, movement of your teeth may slow down, and problems can develop. For instance, not wearing rubber bands as prescribed can result in bite issues not being corrected, which may prolong your treatment plan. Always communicate clearly with your orthodontic office and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re ever unsure about what to do.
Fidgeting With Braces
Some patients find themselves touching or playing with their braces using their fingers or tongue. Others may attempt to move wires back into place if something feels out of alignment. It’s important to resist fidgeting or trying to make adjustments at home, as this can lead to more significant damage or injury to your mouth.
Staying on Track with Your Orthodontic Treatment
By building good habits and remaining attentive, you can help ensure your braces work efficiently, resulting in a straighter, healthier smile.
If you ever have questions about caring for your braces, what foods are safe, or what to do in case of a problem, don’t hesitate to ask. And if you have broken brackets, bent wires, or other braces issues, call our office ASAP.
