7 Everyday Habits That Can Affect Your Braces or Aligners

Habit 2: Chewing Gum or Ice

Chewing gum and ice may seem harmless, but they are among the most damaging habits during orthodontic treatment. Patients frequently ask, can I chew gum with braces? Gum often sticks to brackets and wires, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of damage.

Ice chewing is even more harmful. The excessive force created by biting ice can crack brackets, bend wires, or loosen attachments. This often leads to patients asking, can braces break from bad habits? Unfortunately, repeated pressure from ice chewing is a common cause of appliance failure.

For aligner wearers, chewing gum with aligners in place can warp trays and interfere with proper tooth movement. Avoiding these habits supports braces maintenance and helps prevent unnecessary repairs.

Habit 3: Poor Oral Hygiene

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of orthodontic care. Plaque and food debris easily collect around brackets, wires, and aligners, increasing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and permanent staining. Patients often ask, how do I clean braces every day?

Effective orthodontic hygiene involves brushing after meals, flossing carefully, and paying special attention to areas around appliances. Poor oral hygiene with aligners can trap bacteria against the teeth, increasing the risk of decay and enamel damage.

Developing a healthy oral routine ensures that teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment. Good hygiene habits are essential for both braces and aligners and play a major role in treatment success.

Habit 4: Not Wearing Aligners as Directed

One of the most common bad habits with Invisalign is inconsistent wear. Patients often wonder, do aligners work if I skip wearing them? Clear aligners are designed to work only when worn as prescribed, typically most of the day and night.

Removing aligners too frequently or forgetting to wear them disrupts tooth movement and can significantly extend treatment time. This lack of compliance is one of the most common aligner errors and often results in treatment delays. Consistent wear is essential for predictable results and long-term success.

Habit 5: Using Teeth as Tools

Using teeth to open packages, tear labels, or bite nails places unnecessary stress on orthodontic appliances. While these actions may seem minor, they frequently cause broken brackets or bent wires.

This habit is one of the most overlooked orthodontic do’s and don’ts. Using teeth as tools increases the risk of appliance damage and often leads to additional appointments and extended treatment time. Avoiding this behavior protects braces and supports smoother progress.

Habit 6: Ignoring Professional Instructions

Some patients rely on advice from social media or friends instead of following professional recommendations. This often leads to confusion about proper care and contributes to orthodontic challenges. Ignoring instructions related to eating restrictions, cleaning routines, or aligner wear can compromise treatment outcomes.

Following professional guidance ensures that braces or aligners function as intended. Adhering to orthodontic do’s and don’ts reduces complications and supports treatment success.

Habit 7: Inconsistent Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in orthodontic care. Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic drinks, smoking, and inconsistent hygiene habits increases the risk of staining, decay, and gum problems. These factors negatively affect lifestyle with braces and overall oral health.

Maintaining a braces-friendly diet, limiting harmful habits, and committing to daily care routines support braces maintenance and alignment safety. Healthy lifestyle choices help ensure that treatment progresses efficiently, and results are long-lasting.