For many teenagers, braces mark the beginning of a new chapter into adulthood. But can they harm your teeth? Dr. Chad Carver, DMD, is an affordable orthodontist at Stellar Family Orthodontics who’s available to answer all your questions.
If you’re looking for braces in Mill Creek, Mukilteo, or the surrounding Washington communities, Dr. Carver has you and your family covered.
Can braces damage your teeth?
This is a question orthodontists hear all the time. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. To gain a better understanding about how braces affect your teeth, we first need to delve deeper into their construction and function.
What traditional braces look like
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and thin wires. While the brackets adhere to the surface of your teeth, the wires run through the brackets to gradually pull your teeth into proper alignment.
How traditional braces affect your teeth
While the vulnerable portions of your teeth are encased in a hard layer of enamel for protection, they aren’t immune to wear and tear.
Without proper care, braces can damage your tooth enamel. However, this has less to do with braces themselves and more to do with how you take care of them.
A few factors that raise your risk of damaged teeth with braces include:
Poor oral hygiene
Plaque and bacteria eat away at your healthy tooth enamel. While protecting your enamel always requires regular brushing and flossing, it’s especially important when you have braces. Food debris can easily get stuck in your braces. To prevent tooth decay with braces, make sure to brush and floss after every meal.
Skipping dental visits
Along with visiting your family ortho for regular checkups and wire tightening appointments, you should make an appointment with your family dentist at least twice a year. These bi-annual visits include a comprehensive dental exam and teeth cleaning, which are crucial for preventing cavities and identifying early signs of gum disease.
Unhealthy eating habits
Whether you’re a teenager or adult with braces, you know how quickly certain foods can damage your teeth. Popcorn, gummy candy, and overly hard foods are harmful to your braces. In addition, sugary and acidic foods can degrade the strength of your tooth enamel.
Rough braces removal
Choosing a provider who’s experienced in family orthodontics is an essential step in protecting your teeth with braces. An inexperienced orthodontist can damage your tooth enamel when removing your braces.
Fortunately for patients at Stellar Family Orthodontics, Dr. Carver has more than a decade of experience that enables him to gently remove braces without harming the integrity of your teeth.
If you’re looking for a Mill Creek or Mukilteo orthodontist, call Stellar Family Orthodontics or schedule a free orthodontic consultation online now!