Preventing Breakages

To reduce the need for emergency appointments and a potential increase in the duration of your treatment, it is very important that you look after your braces in terms of maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene and avoiding breakages.

Breakages

• Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, such as gum, candy, popcorn, nuts, and hard fruits and vegetables (These foods can put excessive force on the braces, causing brackets to break or wires to bend or break). Instead, eat softer foods that have been cut into small pieces.
• Avoid sticky, chewy or hard sweets, mints and sugared chewing gum
• Avoid sugary snacks/drinks between meals and at bedtime
• Avoid fizzy drinks (including diet drinks and sports drinks) and large amounts of fruit juice
• Brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up, which can lead to breakages).

• Rinse your teeth at a separate time to tooth brushing with a alcohol free fluoride mouthwash on a daily basis
• Incorrect habits: Habits like biting nails, chewing on pencils, or using teeth as tools can strain and damage the braces
• Sports or Physical Activities: not waring a mouthguard during contact sports can increase the risk of damage to your braces

Here are some additional tips to help avoid constant orthodontic brace breakages:

• Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently to avoid bending the wires or knocking off any brackets.
• Avoid using toothpicks or other sharp objects to clean your teeth, as these can damage your braces.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your braces in good condition and avoid constant breakages.