Some Goodies Are No Good for Braces.

• Position: Taking care of orthodontic braces at Halloween - Brief Article

On Halloween, gleeful goblins, witches, superheroes, and princesses will bring home candy and other treats that could be a real bust for braces. "If it's sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy, it's a food that anyone wearing braces or retainers should avoid," cautions Michael D. Rennert, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. Those in treatment also should beware of popcorn, peanuts, taco chips, and ice.

Orthodontists frequently remind patients that consuming "off-limits" food might lengthen their treatment time. "Sneaking food that could harm your braces may affect treatment--just as if you weren't wearing your headgear or rubber bands? Rennert notes.

For patients wearing a retainer, remember to remove it...