Many of our patients here at Gladwell Orthodontics love Orbitz, Juicy Fruit, Trident, and other chewing gum brands. When they receive braces, they ask us whether they can continue their habit of chewing gum.
While some orthodontists state that patients with braces may chew sugar free gum. We suggest that they try not to. Here’s why:
When Dr. Gladwell places wires in a patient’s mouth, he does so in a way that allows the wires to move the their teeth appropriately. Chewing gum, even if it’s free of sugar, has the potential to bend these wires. If your wires get bent, your teeth will move in relation to the bent wire. This can lead to poor results and/or lengthen the treatment time.
Since wearing metal braces takes a great deal of money, time, and energy, we believe that the pleasure of chewing gum is often not worth the risk of hindering orthodontic treatment. If you are tempted to chew gum, try an alternative. Dr. Gladwell recommends ginger slices, peppermint herbs, or water infused with lemon or lime.
After you get your braces off, you’ll enjoy a straighter, healthier smile and be free to chew all the gum you want. Trust us when we say that good things come to those who are patient and abide by our recommendations. Our Pensacola Orthodontist buddy Dr. Clay Sims always state that following the advice of a doctor alleviates the majority of oral health concerns.
Contact Gladwell Orthodontics
If you have questions related to sugar-free gum and how it may impact your braces treatment, we encourage you to call our office today at 919-453-6325 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gladwell.
