Fixed orthodontic appliances, commonly known as braces, align the teeth and correct the bite. Wearing these appliances requires specific changes to daily routines. The hardware, consisting of brackets, bands, and wires, is delicate and easily damaged, which risks delaying the treatment timeline. Successful orthodontic therapy depends on protecting the appliances and maintaining strict oral hygiene.
Prohibited Foods and Beverages
Diet requires the most significant changes, as certain foods can mechanically damage the hardware. Hard foods are strictly prohibited because biting into them can shear brackets off the tooth surface or bend the archwires. Examples include hard candies, ice cubes, nuts, and crunchy snacks like popcorn kernels.
Chewy or sticky foods can pull on the wires and bands, potentially dislodging them. This category includes caramels, taffy, licorice, and all forms of chewing gum. Even healthy hard foods, such as whole apples or raw carrots, must be cut into small, bite-sized pieces. These modified foods should be chewed with the back teeth to avoid direct pressure on the front brackets.
Sugary and acidic drinks, like sodas, sports drinks, and highly acidic fruit juices, increase the risk of plaque buildup and enamel demineralization. These beverages promote decay that is difficult to manage around the fixed hardware. If consumed, they should be limited in frequency and followed immediately by rinsing with water. Brackets create traps for food debris and acid, which can lead to permanent white spots or staining once the braces are removed.
Destructive Habits to Stop
Certain unconscious or nervous habits must be discontinued, as they place undue, repetitive force on the orthodontic system. Chewing on non-food items, such as pen caps, pencil erasers, or plastic straws, can easily bend the archwire or cause a bracket bond to fail. Biting fingernails is also strong enough to loosen brackets and shift wires, actively working against the controlled forces applied by the orthodontist.
Using the teeth as tools to open packages, tear tape, or hold objects must be avoided entirely. The concentrated force required for these actions can instantly snap a wire or pop a bracket free from the enamel. Patients should also avoid excessive fidgeting with the hardware, such as picking at the brackets or wires. Any manipulation increases the likelihood of accidental damage, which necessitates unscheduled repair appointments and lengthens the overall treatment time.
Required Modifications for Sports and Activities
Participation in sports is possible with braces, but requires specific protective modifications. For any sport involving a risk of facial impact or contact, such as basketball, soccer, or football, the mandatory use of a specialized orthodontic mouthguard is required. These mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably over the brackets and wires, absorbing impact to protect the hardware and the soft tissues of the mouth.
Without a protective barrier, a blow to the mouth can cause the rigid metal brackets to lacerate the inside of the lips and cheeks. Orthodontic mouthguards are often a boil-and-bite type made of a softer material that can be re-molded slightly as the teeth move during treatment. While no sport is strictly off-limits, activities like cycling or skateboarding still carry a fall risk, reinforcing the need for caution.
For musicians, playing wind instruments may require a brief period of adjustment, particularly for brass instruments where the lips press directly against the mouthpiece. The initial pressure of the mouthpiece against the brackets can cause discomfort. Utilizing orthodontic wax or a lip protector creates a smooth barrier, allowing the player to adapt their embouchure, or mouth position, to continue playing.