Braces consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by archwires, designed to gradually move teeth into correct alignment. Because this hardware is delicate, caramel must be strictly avoided throughout the entire duration of orthodontic treatment.
Why Caramel Is a Major Risk
Caramel possesses physical properties that make it highly destructive to orthodontic hardware. Its extreme stickiness allows it to bond firmly to the bracket and the tooth enamel. The dense, chewy nature of caramel also gives it high cohesive strength when being chewed.
When a person chews or tries to pull the caramel away from the teeth, the adhesive bond holds the sugary mass tightly to the appliance. This physical action then translates the chewing force directly onto the bracket’s bond with the tooth. The resulting outward force can easily overcome the strength of the dental cement, causing the bracket to “pop” clean off the tooth surface.
The dense, stretching quality of the caramel also poses a significant threat to the archwire and molar bands. If the sticky candy wraps around the wire, chewing can exert a bending force on the thin metal component. This localized stress can warp the wire out of its intended shape or even pull the band away from the molars, compromising the orthodontic force system.
Understanding Braces Damage and Treatment Delays
When a bracket loosens or a wire bends, the immediate consequences can include discomfort and irritation to the mouth’s soft tissues. A loose wire can poke the cheek or gums, potentially creating painful abrasions or small ulcers. These hardware failures often necessitate an unplanned, immediate trip to the orthodontist for a repair.
The requirement for an emergency repair appointment introduces a significant delay into the overall treatment timeline. The orthodontic appliance is a finely tuned system designed to apply continuous, precise forces to move teeth. When any component fails, the teeth stop moving correctly or may drift back toward their original position. This disruption can potentially add weeks or even months to the total time a person needs to wear braces. Maintaining the integrity of the hardware is directly linked to achieving the desired outcome promptly and on schedule.
Other Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Beyond sticky treats like caramel, other foods require avoidance to protect the metal and ceramic components. Hard and crunchy foods, such as nuts, ice cubes, and popcorn kernels, pose a risk of fracturing the bonded brackets upon impact. Highly chewy or dense items, like tough cuts of meat or hard pretzels, apply sustained forces that can generate enough pulling force to bend the archwire.
Highly acidic items also present a long-term risk to the surrounding enamel. Regularly consuming sodas, sports drinks, or citrus fruits can increase the chance of decalcification. This can lead to permanent white marks on the teeth once the braces are removed.