Taking Care of Your Braces

Damaged braces or appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Avoid the foods listed under "foods to avoid" and habits such chewing fingernails or your pen or pencil. Frequent bending of the wires can permanently distort and eventually break them.

Also remember, your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your orthodontist.