Can Braces Ruin My Teeth’s Enamel?

January 16, 2020 2:53 am
Three smiling kids wearing braces

If you or your child require braces, you may have questions like, “How long does it take to correct a misalignment?” Another common concern many of our patients have is whether or not braces can harm their teeth. You may ask, “Can braces ruin my teeth’s enamel?” Summit Family Orthodontics, serving Littleton, Colorado, and the general vicinity wants to address this concern.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Braces themselves aren’t going to damage your teeth. Poor oral hygiene while wearing braces, on the other hand, will damage the enamel on your teeth. Despite wearing braces, you still have to brush your teeth at least twice daily. Preferably, you should brush your teeth after every meal. Additionally, we advise our patients to floss with a thin, waxed floss. If you don’t take care of your teeth properly when you have braces, decay and discoloration can occur.

Poor Eating Habits

Just like when you don’t have braces, sugar and acid will damage your teeth. Sugars promote bacteria that eat away at your teeth’s enamel, and acid can erode your enamel. Certain foods that you consume stick to your braces and may remain there for quite some time. The food that remains will damage the enamel on your teeth. We specifically advise against certain foods while you have braces for this reason.

Not Visiting the Dentist

We create a schedule for routine teeth cleanings for all of our patients. Since your teeth are more susceptible to decay when you have braces, Dr. Allen may recommend you receive more than just two cleanings per year. If you’re not visiting the dentist for cleanings, wearing braces could be damaging to your teeth.

The Removal Process

People often think that the greatest risk to their enamel is the bracket removal process. This, however, is very rare since our orthodontist has an extensive amount of training and experience.

Experienced Dental Professionals in Littleton, CO

Generally, the answer to “Can braces ruin my teeth’s enamel?” is no. The braces themselves aren’t damaging. It’s up to you to protect your teeth while you have braces by taking good care of them. Book a consultation for braces by contacting Summit Family Orthodontics. Our enthusiastic and professional team offers braces for patients of all ages, including early phase treatment for children to prevent teeth from coming in crooked in the first place. We also strive to find a payment option that makes treatment possible for you and your family.

Contact Us



Categorised in: ,