When it comes to getting your teeth straightened, there are certain activities that you should avoid in order to ensure the best results. Dr. Charles Gemmi, an orthodontist certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and a graduate of the American Board of Orthodontics, has been a practicing orthodontist at Orthodontics Limited since 2000 and is a member of the teaching staff at Einstein Medical Center. Orthodontics Limited is an Invisalign Diamond+ provider in Philadelphia and Hatboro, PA.
Chewing on ice is one activity that you should definitely avoid when wearing braces. Biting down on a piece of ice can easily break off a support or bend the wire, which can be extremely painful and require a visit to your orthodontist. Gum chewing is another activity that you should be careful with when wearing braces. While some orthodontists may allow you to chew gum, it is important to be mindful of how much you are chewing and to be careful not to damage your braces.
Eating certain foods can also be difficult when wearing braces. Foods such as apples and corn cobs should be avoided as they can easily damage the wires and brackets of your braces. If you have Invisalign, you can still enjoy these foods, but you must remember to remove your aligners first. It is also important to floss daily when wearing braces in order to prevent plaque buildup between your teeth.
Plaque buildup can cause corrosion of the enamel and damage the structural integrity of your teeth. Finally, it is important to avoid clenching your teeth when wearing braces. Clenching your teeth can be uncomfortable and cause pain, but it is necessary in order for your teeth straightening process to stay on track.
