Problems with braces can include:

• Broken braces (brackets)
• Broken wires
• Loose bands
• Loose braces
• Wires sticking out

We recommend that you call our office and discuss the problem with our staff first. You may need to visit right away, or you may be able remedy the problem yourself until your next scheduled visit. If the problem with your braces was caused by an injury (such as a blow to the mouth), seek help right away. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need immediate attention or if the problem can wait until your next appointment. Braces, bands or wires sometimes break or fall off, but most often they just become loose. Usually this is caused by chewing hard or sticky foods.


Official no-no list

Avoid all hard, sticky or chewy food (in other words, the things that you like the most).

Ice: Chewing ice...? Seriously... yes... it's hard. Don't go there.
Hard Pizza Crust: Not a good idea. C'mon... you don't need the extra carbs anyway.
Hard Pretzels: You might as well be chewing rocks.... not a good idea.
Rocks: Why not just chew hard pretzels :)
Chips like; Doritos, Tacos, Tostitos, Cheetos, Fritos, etc.: As sad as it sounds... you should avoid these as much as possible :(
Hard Rolls or Bagels: The last closet bagel-eater patient stayed in braces for almost
7 years (or close to it).
Beef Jerky, Slim Jims: there are a lot of reasons NOT to eat these.
Suckers and Tootsie Pops: Let get real... you KNOW the temptation will be too great and you will chew :)
Nuts: We'll let you figure this one out on your own...
Pencils - Pens: Scrumptious during test time. Think twice... whether wearing braces or not!
Popcorn: Special instructions... separate all the white "fluffy" parts from the kernel parts and soak them in your soda first... NOT!
Raw Carrots: Sorry... but hey, we are giving you an excuse to NOT eat vegetables... I am sure your parents will love us.
Carmel: Don't even think about it...!

***All of these foods will break brackets and loosen bands. Sometimes you may not discover something is broken until hours later.   - Just say no! And walk away...