October brings lots of changes and new experiences…cooler weather, crackling leaves, cozy fires, and Halloween! For orthodontists across the country, October also brings National Orthodontic Health Month. This is a great opportunity for us here at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics to remind patients of some care and safety basics for their braces.
We have provided these 4 ways to protect your braces, aligners (Invisalign), and other orthodontic appliances for our patients to keep in mind all year round.
Avoid Sticky Snacks
This includes hard candy, sticky foods, crunchy or chewy snacks, and candy. Bubblegum, taffy, caramel, gummies, and jelly beans can all become stuck in appliances and cause damage to your braces. Instead, opt for a healthier alternative, such as fruit cut into bite- size pieces.
Hard Treats are a No No
Crunchy treats, such as the -itos family (Doritos, Fritos, Cheetos, and Tostitos), nuts, popcorn, and even ice are all foods that can cause braces, even adult braces, to break. Breaking the brackets or wires on braces causes damage to the appliances and requires a visit to us to fix them.
Make Sure to Brush
All the extra sweet stuff can cause cavities, so make sure to brush and floss regularly. When wearing braces, be especially careful about brushing and flossing after every meal and after having a sweet treat. You can ask us about the right tools for caring for and cleaning your braces.
Find an Alternative to the Sticky Stuff
Not all treats are off limits to orthodontic patients. Soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, and candies that don’t contain nuts are a good alternative for a sweet treat. Just make sure to follow the guidelines we give you when you get your braces on!
Mack and Hansen Orthodontics wants our patients to have a fun and healthy Halloween! If you forget any of these tips and tricks and need to see us for any reason, contact us at 903-212-7737 for an appointment. See you soon!
If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.
