Biting your nails with braces is strongly discouraged, as this common habit poses significant risks to your orthodontic treatment. Braces are appliances designed to apply controlled force to gradually reposition teeth. Introducing the sudden, repetitive stress of nail biting can undermine this delicate process. Understanding the potential for damage and managing the habit are important steps for a successful outcome.
Mechanical Risks of Nail Biting on Orthodontic Appliances
The primary concern with nail biting is the application of unnatural, high-impact force directly onto the orthodontic hardware. Brackets are secured to the tooth enamel using an adhesive bond. While this bond is strong, it is vulnerable to sudden shear stress. Normal chewing distributes force across the dental arch and is less likely to compromise the bracket’s attachment.
Biting down on a fingernail creates a focused point of pressure that acts like a lever against the bracket. This sudden, localized force can destabilize the adhesive bond. Repeated nail biting weakens the bond until the bracket eventually detaches.
The habit also exerts pressure on the archwire, the flexible metal component that connects the brackets and guides tooth movement. The wire is calibrated to deliver a gentle, continuous force. The sudden impact from biting can bend or deform the wire. A bent wire no longer applies the correct force, potentially causing teeth to move in unintended directions or halting progress.
Specific Damage and Treatment Complications
The mechanical stress from nail biting leads directly to negative outcomes for the patient and the treatment plan. The most frequent consequence is a broken or detached bracket, requiring an unscheduled emergency visit for re-bonding. Each detached bracket represents a period of treatment delay because the tooth is no longer being actively guided.
The force can also cause the archwire to snap or become distorted, immediately stopping desired tooth movement. These necessary repairs increase the total time spent in orthodontic treatment, often extending the overall duration by several months. Repair appointments also increase the total cost of care.
Infection Risk
A complication involves oral hygiene and infection risk, as fingernails harbor a significant amount of bacteria. Introducing these microbes into the mouth, especially around the complex structure of braces, complicates the task of keeping teeth clean. The presence of these germs can increase the risk of localized infection or inflammation of the gum tissue.
Strategies for Breaking the Habit
Patients who struggle with this habit can implement several strategies to protect their orthodontic investment and treatment timeline.
Physical Deterrents
A simple and effective approach is the use of physical barriers. This includes applying bitter-tasting nail polish designed to discourage biting. Keeping nails trimmed extremely short also eliminates the material that triggers the biting action.
Identifying Triggers and Substitutions
Identifying the triggers for nail biting is another helpful step, as the habit is often linked to stress or anxiety. Once triggers are recognized, substitution habits can manage the urge. Examples include keeping hands busy with a stress ball or chewing sugar-free gum to satisfy the oral fixation.
Professional Support
It is beneficial to maintain open communication with the orthodontic team about the struggle to stop the habit. Orthodontists can offer specific advice, provide protective wax, or suggest resources. If the habit is severe, seeking behavioral therapy can provide long-term coping mechanisms and support.