Bad Habits That Can Affect Your Orthodontic Results

Achieving successful orthodontic results takes more than just wearing braces or aligners. — it also relies on your daily habits and choices you make throughout your treatment. At Rosenberg Orthodontics, we help patients understand that the road to a confident smile involves more than straightening teeth — it includes avoiding certain behaviors that can interfere with progress. Following the dos and don'ts when having braces helps protect your hardware and stay on track toward your smile goals. Read on to learn tips and tricks from our Hartford County, CT orthodontists.

Don't: Chew on hard objects or sticky foods

Chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, or ice may seem harmless, but these habits can put excess pressure on your orthodontic appliances, leading to broken brackets or bent wires. Similarly, eating sticky or hard foods like caramel, gum, whole apples, or popcorn can damage both traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces or get stuck in aligners, disrupting treatment. These issues often result in emergency visits and can delay progress.

Do: Maintain oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment because food and bacteria can easily get trapped around brackets and wires. Poor brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, which not only affect oral health but can also slow or reverse treatment progress. Using tools like a water flosser, an orthodontic toothbrush, and interdental brushes makes it easier to clean around braces and appliances. Consistent hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, paired with regular dental checkups, supports healthier gums and faster treatment.

Don't: Skip orthodontic appointments

Missing or rescheduling orthodontic appointments at our Hartford County, CT office can significantly affect your timeline. These visits are crucial for making adjustments, monitoring tooth movement, and addressing emerging concerns. Skipping appointments allows small problems to develop into bigger issues, which can prolong your treatment duration. Staying consistent with your visits helps your orthodontist ensure you're progressing efficiently and comfortably.

Do: Wear your retainer

Not wearing your retainer as prescribed is one of the most common reasons patients lose their orthodontic results. After braces or aligners are removed, your teeth still need time to stabilize in their new positions. Skipping your retainer can allow your teeth to shift back, undoing months or even years of progress. Your orthodontist will provide a schedule for wear, and following it is essential for maintaining a beautiful, aligned smile.

Don't: Grind your teeth

Grinding or clenching your teeth — also known as bruxism — can place significant pressure on braces or aligners and lead to damage or discomfort. If left unaddressed, this can complicate orthodontic treatment and increase the risk of fractured appliances or shifting teeth. If you suspect that you grind your teeth, especially at night, talk to your orthodontist about solutions like a custom night guard. Protecting your teeth from grinding helps preserve the effectiveness of your treatment.

Avoid bad habits for stunning results

By understanding the bad habits to avoid with orthodontics and following your orthodontist's recommendations, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve exceptional orthodontic results. At Rosenberg Orthodontics, we're here to help you each step of the way with guidance, support, and a commitment to your healthy smile. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how to protect your smile before, during, and after orthodontic treatment in Hartford County, CT.