Your braces represent a serious investment in improving the cosmetic appearance and function of your mouth. Making thoughtful choices and avoiding certain foods will go a long way toward minimizing the amount of time you will need to wear braces. If something in your braces breaks or comes loose, it very likely it will lengthen the amount of time you have to wear the braces.

Certain foods can get stuck in your braces, damage wires or cause brackets to come loose. Sticky foods, like caramel, taffy and gummy treats, are the most common causes of damaged braces. This is also true of chewing gum. You should also try to avoid eating crunchy foods, hard candy and chewing on things like pens, pencils and ice.

Let your orthodontist know if you plan to take part in any contact sports that might require a mouth guard. Retail-level mouth guards often do a poor job of protecting braces and can even impede breathing. Custom mouth guards can be designed to protect your teeth and braces while also being comfortable.

Remember to brush and floss at least twice a day. If you have trouble using floss, you might want to buy a floss threader. Some people with braces also appreciate using interdental brushes to get at some of the hard-to-reach places around their teeth and the metal hardware itself.

If you have questions or if you are due for your next adjustment, please call us at 936-856-9969 to schedule your next appointment.