7 Braces Mistakes That Can Delay Your Treatment
Getting braces is a big step toward the smile you’ve been looking forward to. And while your orthodontist takes care of the treatment plan, there’s a lot you can do at home to help everything stay on track.
The good news is that most orthodontic setbacks are easy to avoid. Here are seven common mistakes we see—and what you can do instead.
1. Eating Foods That Can Break Your Braces
One of the hardest parts of getting braces can be figuring out what you can—and can’t—eat.
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can put extra stress on your brackets and wires. Things like hard candy, chewing gum, popcorn kernels, and very crunchy foods can increase the chance of something breaking.
You don’t have to give up all of your favourite foods. Try cutting harder foods into smaller pieces and being mindful of how you bite and chew.
When in doubt, ask your orthodontic team. We’re happy to help you figure out what works.
2. Missing Your Appointments
We know life gets busy. School, work, activities, vacations—it can be difficult to fit everything into your schedule.
But your regular orthodontic appointments are important. They give your orthodontist a chance to check how your teeth are moving and make adjustments when needed.
If you can’t make an appointment, just let the office know as soon as possible so you can reschedule.
3. Rushing Through Your Brushing Routine
Braces give plaque and food particles more places to hide, so brushing well becomes even more important during treatment.
Take your time and brush around your brackets, wires, and along your gumline. Don’t forget to clean between your teeth, too.
It might take a few extra minutes each day, but keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment is well worth the effort.
4. Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard
Love playing sports? You don’t have to stop just because you have braces.
If you play a contact or high-impact sport, however, protecting your teeth and braces is especially important. A properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard can help protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and braces.
Your orthodontist can recommend the type of mouthguard that’s best for you.
5. Playing With Your Braces
When you first get braces, it can be tempting to run your tongue over the brackets or touch them with your fingers.
Try to resist the urge.
Picking at brackets, pulling on wires, or trying to adjust your braces yourself can damage your appliances. If something feels uncomfortable or doesn’t seem right, give your orthodontic office a call instead.
6. Ignoring a Broken Bracket or Wire
Sometimes things break. Even if you’ve been incredibly careful, a bracket can come loose or a wire can cause irritation.
Don’t panic—and don’t ignore it.
Contact your orthodontic office and let the team know what happened. They can tell you whether you need to come in for a repair and what you should do in the meantime.
Getting a problem looked at sooner is usually much easier than letting it become a bigger issue.
7. Not Following Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Every smile is different, which means every treatment plan is a little different, too.
You may be asked to wear elastics, use a particular appliance, or follow specific instructions at home. These recommendations are there for a reason.
The more consistently you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, the easier it is to keep your treatment progressing as planned.
And if you’re ever unsure about what you’re supposed to do, ask! There are no silly questions when it comes to your treatment.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Wearing braces is a team effort. Your orthodontist and orthodontic team guide your treatment, but the choices you make between appointments matter too.
Taking good care of your braces, keeping up with your appointments, brushing and flossing regularly, and following your treatment instructions can all help minimize unnecessary setbacks.
And remember: if something breaks or you’re worried about something, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontic office. We’d much rather hear from you and help than have you worry about it at home.
Have questions about your braces? Contact our team— we’re here to help you through every step of your orthodontic journey.
Ready to Find Out More?
If you've been putting off orthodontic treatment — or if you're simply curious about what modern braces actually look and feel like — your first consultation at TriCity Orthodontics costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Our specialist orthodontists will assess your case thoroughly, walk you through your options, and give you an honest picture of what treatment would involve. Whatever you decide, you'll leave with the full picture.
