How to Avoid Breaking Brackets with Braces in Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment with braces is a transformative journey that leads to a beautiful, straight smile. However, it’s essential to take proper care of your braces to avoid complications and ensure the treatment progresses smoothly. One common issue many patients face is breaking brackets, the small squares glued to your teeth that hold the wires in place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some essential tips and tricks to help you avoid breaking brackets during your orthodontic treatment.
Maintain a Proper Diet
One of the most common reasons for bracket breakage is consuming foods that are too hard or sticky. To protect your braces, it’s crucial to adjust your diet during orthodontic treatment. Here are some dietary tips to follow:
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies.
- Steer clear of sticky or chewy items such as taffy, caramel, and chewing gum.
- Cut foods like apples and carrots into small, manageable pieces.
- Opt for softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and pasta.
By being mindful of what you eat, you can significantly reduce the risk of damaging your brackets.
Use Caution When Biting
Orthodontic treatment requires you to be cautious when biting into food or objects. Always remember to use your back teeth for biting instead of your front teeth, as this can minimize the pressure on your brackets. Additionally, avoid habits like nail biting or chewing on pens and pencils, as these can cause bracket damage.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing can be a bit more challenging with braces, but it’s essential to keep your teeth and brackets clean to prevent plaque buildup, which can weaken the adhesive. Follow these guidelines:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Invest in interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between wires and brackets.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to address any issues promptly.
- Sports and Activities
If you participate in sports or activities that carry a risk of injury to your mouth, it’s essential to wear a mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard provided by your orthodontist can protect both your teeth and braces from harm during physical activities.
Be Gentle with Your Braces
Avoid touching your braces with your fingers or tongue, as this can dislodge the brackets. If you have a habit of doing this, it might be helpful to use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or bothersome edges until you get used to your braces.
Follow Orthodontist’s Instructions
The Storms and Swiderski Orthodontic team will provide specific instructions for caring for your braces. It’s essential to follow these instructions diligently and attend all scheduled appointments for adjustments. This will help ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly, and your brackets remain intact.
Orthodontic treatment with braces can be a life-changing experience, but it requires commitment and care. By following these tips and being mindful of your daily habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of breaking brackets and achieve your desired smile with minimal interruptions. Remember, your orthodontist is your partner on this journey, so don’t hesitate to reach out to Storms and Swiderski Orthodontics if you have any questions or concerns about your braces. With proper care, you’ll be flashing a beautiful, straight smile in no time.
