What to Avoid Doing When You Wear Braces 

When you have crooked teeth or a bite problem, such as an underbite, wearing braces can help correct these issues. At Goshgarian Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, offers this type of treatment for effective results. But it takes some adjustment to get used to having braces on. Here’s what you should avoid doing to ensure proper treatment and reduce the risk of damage.

Don’t Chew Gum

Gum can get caught on the surface of brackets and wires, so avoid chewing it while wearing braces.

Avoid Eating Sticky or Hard Foods

Biting and chewing hard candy, nuts, caramel, and similar foods can damage your braces and make it harder to clean your teeth.

Don’t Bite Into Crunchy Foods

Biting into apples and other crunchy foods can also cause damage to your braces.

Avoid Eating Certain Starchy Foods

Bread, chips, and similar foods can get trapped in your braces, making it more difficult to thoroughly brush your teeth and increasing the risk of decay.

Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Don’t open packages or do other tasks using your teeth. They’re only designed for biting and chewing food.

Don’t Chew or Bite Non-Food Objects

Avoid chomping on ice cubes or chewing other items that aren’t food, since these can damage your braces and teeth.

Don’t Skip Flossing

It may not be easy to floss with braces on, but it’s important to do this every day for oral health.

Visit Our Orthodontist for Braces!

Do you need orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth or correct misalignment? Our orthodontist at Goshgarian Orthodontics offers braces in Lake Forest and Gurnee, IL, including traditional, clear ceramic, and other options. We can help you choose the right solution for your teeth.