Braces are a great way to improve your smile, but they can also make it difficult to enjoy certain foods. Braces require special care and attention, so it’s important to be aware of the foods that can potentially damage them. Here is a list of the foods to avoid eating while wearing braces.

1. Hard & Sticky Candy: These sweets are the arch-nemesis of braces. They cling to wires and brackets, leading to possible damage. Plus, the sugar from these candies can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.

2. Popcorn: Those little kernels love to wedge themselves between brackets and wires, causing discomfort and possible damage. The unpopped ones? They’re a braces disaster waiting to happen.

3. Nuts: Their hard nature can cause a casualty among your brackets and wires. Plus, shell fragments can lodge in uncomfortable places.

4. Chewy & Gummy Candy: Imagine sticky candy, but with a more intense clinginess. They stubbornly stick to your braces, causing irritation and, yes, potential damage. The sugar problem stands here too.

5. Hard Pretzels & Chips: These crunchy delights can get trapped between your braces and cause discomfort. Their hard texture can also deliver a heavy blow to your braces.

6. Corn on the Cob: With its kernels prone to getting stuck in the most inconvenient places, corn on the cob is a braces-wearing individual’s culinary challenge. Plus, biting directly into the cob can harm your braces.

7. Raw Carrots & Apples: These crunchy fruits and veggies can cause damage if bitten into directly. Cut them into manageable, bite-sized pieces instead.

8. Chewing Gum: The stickiness of gum can spell trouble for braces. Not only does it adhere stubbornly to brackets and wires, but the sugar in it can also contribute to plaque buildup and decay.

9. Hard Tacos: While delicious, the crunchy shell can get lodged in your braces and cause damage. Opt for soft shell tacos during your braces tenure.

10. Ice: Ice can cause discomfort and damage to your braces. It may also weaken brackets, causing them to loosen.

This list might seem overwhelming, but remember, these are only temporary sacrifices for the long-term payoff of a beautifully aligned smile. What’s more, knowing what could potentially harm your braces helps you avoid unnecessary orthodontic adjustments. With optimal oral hygiene habits and a little vigilance in your food choices, your braces will get you to your dream smile in no time! For more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact our office!

Rubber bands play a critical role in orchestrating a successful orthodontic treatment. Far from being mere components, these small yet mighty elastics harness the power to gently nudge the teeth into the desired alignment, an achievement braces would find hard to match without their help.

Pivotal to the mechanics of orthodontic therapy, rubber bands are charged with the task of instigating movement in the teeth. How do they do this? These ingenious bands bridge the gap between teeth or between brackets and teeth, exerting a subtle tension that spurs the teeth to venture in the intended direction. This persistent, low-grade force is the secret sauce of successful orthodontic realignment.

Not only do rubber bands contribute to the primary task of shifting teeth, but they also have a corrective role in addressing misaligned teeth. Whenever teeth go astray, deviating from their optimal alignment, the rubber bands leap into action. They generate a calculated tension that gently guides these errant teeth back to their rightful place, potentially expediting the overall treatment duration.

But the usefulness of rubber bands isn’t confined to the tenure of wearing braces. Once the braces are off, there’s a risk that your teeth might drift back to their original spots. Rubber bands, applied post-treatment, introduce a preventative tension that discourages this unwanted migration, thereby preserving the fruits of your orthodontic journey.

Besides their dynamic contribution to the movement and stabilization of teeth, rubber bands also provide comfort. They pose as a buffer between the braces and the teeth, easing the brunt of pressure on the teeth and thereby mitigating the discomfort during the treatment.

To sum it up, rubber bands emerge as an unassuming yet powerful ally in orthodontic treatment, owing to their versatility and efficacy. From moving and stabilizing teeth, correcting misalignment, preserving post-treatment results, to enhancing comfort during treatment – their contribution is truly multifaceted. For any questions or concerns about the use of rubber bands during your orthodontic journey, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Paul DiFranco Orthodontics of Palos Hills today.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, clear aligners are a great option for those looking to straighten the teeth without the bulkiness of traditional metal braces. Not only are they virtually invisible, but they’re also more comfortable, convenient and easier to clean. However, there are certain things you should never do when wearing clear aligners. 

1. Proper wear is critical: Never forget to wear your aligners! Although clear aligners are removable, you should never skip wearing them for more than two to three hours a day. Doing so could extend the length of your treatment and delay the results you desire. Remember, the aligners should be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day. 

2. Brush before wear: Brush your teeth before putting your aligners in. Food particles, bacteria and plaque can easily get trapped between your teeth and the aligners if you don’t brush your teeth first. This can cause bad breath, gingivitis and tooth decay. 

3. Keep them clean: Don’t forget to clean your aligners. Clear aligners are very delicate and can easily become stained or damaged if not properly cared for. Be sure to clean your aligners every day with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use a denture cleaner or hand sanitizer to keep them free of any bacteria or plaque. 

4. Don’t ignore issues: In some cases, the aligners may cause irritation or soreness to your gums or cheeks. If you experience any pain or discomfort, contact your orthodontist immediately to address the issue. 

5. Remove them when eating or drinking: Take your aligners out when eating or drinking. Not only can food particles get stuck in the aligners, but they can also stain them. Wearing aligners while eating or drinking is not recommended; remove them and brush your teeth before reinstalling. 

6. Do not try to adjust them: Never try to adjust your aligners yourself. Clear aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. If you try to adjust them yourself, you could cause damage and disrupt the progress of your treatment. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your clear aligners are working properly and your teeth are moving in the right direction. Remember, clear aligners are a great way to straighten your teeth, but you must be diligent in caring for them properly. For more information, please contact Paul DiFranco Orthodontics of Palos Hills to schedule a consultation. 

Orthodontic treatment is a specialized type of dental care that focuses on correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the overall dental health and appearance of the patient by straightening the teeth and correcting any bite issues. Orthodontic treatment can be done in two phases: the first phase focuses on the active treatment of the teeth and jaws, while the second phase focuses on maintenance and stabilization of the new alignment. Both phases of orthodontic treatment are essential for achieving optimal results. 

Phase I Orthodontic Treatment

The first phase of orthodontic treatment involves actively correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws. During this phase, the patient will typically receive braces or other appliances such as expanders, retainers, and headgear. These orthodontic appliances are designed to slowly but effectively move the teeth into the desired position. This is often a lengthy process, as it can take several months or even years for the teeth to fully move into the desired position. During this time, the patient must be diligent about following the instructions of their orthodontist in order to achieve the best results. 

Phase II Orthodontic Treatment

The second phase of orthodontic treatment focuses on maintaining and stabilizing the new alignment of the teeth and jaws. This phase typically involves the patient wearing retainers or other appliances that keep the teeth in their new position. Retainers are typically worn full-time for the first 6 months after the active treatment phase, and then can be worn part-time. The goal of this phase is to ensure that the teeth stay in their newly corrected position, and to prevent any relapse of the misalignment. 

The Value of Two Phases 

The value of two phases of orthodontic treatment is immense. By actively correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws, patients can improve their dental health, self-esteem, and overall appearance. Additionally, by maintaining and stabilizing the new alignment during the second phase, patients can ensure that their teeth will stay in the correct position long-term. This gives patients the confidence that their improved dental health and appearance is here to stay. 

Two phases of orthodontic treatment are essential for achieving long-term results and optimal dental health. By actively correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws, and then maintaining and stabilizing the new alignment, patients can enjoy improved dental health and an enhanced appearance for years to come. Contact Paul DiFranco Orthodontics today to learn more from our Palos Hills Orthodontist.