Navigating Halloween with Braces or Aligners: 7 Tips from an Orthodontist

Metal Braces

This is a traditional method of aligning your smile. Metal braces are brackets attached to your smile with the help of metal wire which is tightened frequently to move your teeth. This dental treatment takes a year or more to offer a complete treatment.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of plastic dental trays that are customized according to the size of your mouth. They work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth to move them to the desired position. Each set of aligners needs to be worn for 10 days for 20 to 22 hours per day. These are invisible and less painful which makes them a perfect alternative to traditional metal braces.

Tip 1: Avoid Hard or Sticky Candies

One of the most important tips to keep your dental health safe is to avoid the intake of hard or sticky candies. Hard candies can damage your teeth whereas sticky candies can get stuck in your teeth. Both these conditions are worse for your dental products whether they are braces or clear aligners.

Biting on hard candies while wearing metal braces can damage them. Similarly, with clear aligners, sticky candies can get stuck on your dental trays, leading to further dental problems.

Tip 2: Soft Homemade Treats

Since it is festival season, you might want to have festive treats. Try to opt for healthy homemade treats such as soft cookies. They can be easily removed from your teeth without damaging your metal braces. Incorporating healthy options such as vegetables or fruits can also help you go through a safe Halloween while wearing braces or aligners.

Tip 3: Take Advantage of Removable Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are comfortable for dental procedures due to their removability. Going through a clear aligner demands no food restrictions. Simply remove your aligners, enjoy your treats, and put them back on. It is suggested not to eat with your aligners on as slight pressure can damage them and hurt your gums.

This festival season, you can enjoy meals with your family without fearing your dental treatment. But be considerate of your aligner-wearing duration for an effective treatment.

Tip 4: Keep Your Metal Braces In Check

Metal braces are most likely to get damaged due to slight pressure. When the metal wires are damaged, they can hurt your gums or cheeks. Therefore, it is important to keep your braces in check. If you find a slight damage or loose wire, get it fixed as soon as possible.

Tip 5: Ensure Proper Cleaning

Considering your dental health, proper cleaning is always the priority. Dental cleaning involves brushing and flossing that makes sure no food particles remain stuck. A lack of proper cleaning increases the chances of plaque buildup and cavities due to the rise of bacterial growth.

Tip 6: Keep Drinking Water

This Halloween season, try to intake plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated. If you intake sticky candies, drinking water rinses your mouth so that it does not affect your dental health.

Tip 7: Book Your Dentist Appointment

To keep your dental health maintained, book a dentist appointment. Your dentist will check your teeth and will also examine your treatment progress. Other than this, keep your teeth straightening products, either braces or clear aligners, checked as well.

By carefully following all these tips you can now celebrate Halloween without risking your dental treatment. Furthermore, be mindful not to consume excessive sweets, keep them limited, and enjoy the holiday season.