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Are you ready to embark on a sweet, delicious, and braces-friendly journey?

Welcome to the whimsical world of freeze-dried candies—a tooth-friendly treat that promises to deliver the taste of your favorite sweets without the sticky aftermath that can be a nightmare for orthodontic work. Because braces have brackets and wires, there are some foods and treats that are not recommended due to the possibility of causing damage to your braces and ultimately delaying your treatment time.

In this blog, we will test these innovative confections, exploring whether freeze-dried versions of popular candies can satisfy your sugar cravings and keep your braces and orthodontist happy. Join us as we crunch, taste, and assess various colorful, flavorful selections that might revolutionize how you indulge with braces.

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, brace yourself for a new experience, and find out if these treats are as good for your brackets as they are for your taste buds!

Nerd Clusters and Starbursts

Two candies that are a definite "no" in their traditional form. Typically, Nerds candies are too hard and can cause the breakage of brackets. Likewise, Starbursts, though very popular, are much too chewy to be eaten with braces. However, both candies were airy and had a light crunch in the freeze-dried varieties. We would consider this a better alternative for braces patients!

Red Hots and Jolly Ranchers

These two favorite candies did not fare so well in our braces-friendly test. Even in their freeze-dried state, the Red Hots were still much too hard, risking popping off a bracket or bending a wire.

We were surprised by the consistency of the Jolly Rancher. It was so easy to bite into it almost disintegrates in your mouth. Which sounds great for braces, right?

Unfortunately, the chewed candy was so sticky and hardened around our teeth that it could get trapped around braces, so it would be nearly impossible to brush away easily. For this reason, we do not recommend Jolly Ranchers.

What other candies would you like us to test? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Hester and Morris Orthodontics is South Georgia's Best Orthodontic Practice. We are the area's specialist in Invisalign clean aligners and braces. Let us help you live life smiling!

Click here for a list of foods we ask patients to avoid when they have braces, along with foods that are a great alternative!

Smiling is a universal sign of happiness and can profoundly impact our mood and those of others around us.

Here are three smile quotes to remind us of the joy and love that comes with every smile:

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." – Phyllis Diller

"Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." – Peace Pilgrim

"Use your smile to change the world; don't let the world change your smile." – Chinese Proverb

These quotes emphasize the importance of smiling not just as a way to express happiness but also as a means to positively influence our environment and persevere through life's challenges. A smile can really change your outlook on the worst day... Try it!

And share these quotes today with someone who may need a smile!

Did you know? Improving your smile with orthodontics can offer several benefits that go beyond just the aesthetics of straighter teeth. Here are six reasons to consider:

Enhanced Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth can also help evenly distribute the force of your bite, which may decrease the risk of tooth damage.

Boosted Self-Confidence: A straight smile can significantly enhance your self-image and confidence. Feeling good about your smile can have positive effects on your social interactions, professional opportunities, and overall happiness.

Improved Bite Function: Orthodontic treatments are used to correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. This can alleviate problems with chewing and speaking and reduce stress on the jaw muscles and joints, potentially preventing TMJ disorders.

Long-Term Dental Health: Misaligned teeth can lead to abnormal wear and tear on tooth enamel, which, over time, can cause chips, notches at the gum line, and other issues. Orthodontics helps position the teeth for more balanced wear.

Speech Improvement: Teeth alignment can have a significant impact on speech. Certain speech impediments caused by misaligned teeth can be improved or corrected once teeth are correctly aligned through orthodontic treatment.

Preventive Care: Correcting alignment issues can avert potential future dental problems. This proactive approach can save you time, money, and discomfort that may arise from more complex dental issues later on.

If you're considering orthodontics, it's best to consult with an orthodontist to understand the benefits and treatment options available for your case. That's what we do best! Contact our office to set up a complimentary consultation and let us help you decide if a new and improved smile is right for you! Hester and Morris Orthodontics is South Georgia's leading provider of Invisalign and Braces. Let us help you live life smiling!

Embarking on the journey to a perfect smile with braces can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But before you take the plunge and get those wires and brackets fitted, you should take a few crucial steps to ensure your orthodontic treatment is as smooth and effective as possible. Here are three essential things to do before getting braces:

1. Have a Detailed Discussion with Your Orthodontist
   Knowledge is power, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to orthodontic treatment. We're here to answer your questions and help you feel confident in this new journey! During your consultation:

• Understand the Treatment Plan: Ask about the type of braces that will be used, the duration of the treatment, and what results you can expect.
• Discuss Your Concerns: Be open about any anxieties or questions you have regarding the procedure, maintenance, or lifestyle changes.
• Financial Planning: Braces are an investment in your smile. Discuss the cost, payment plans, and insurance coverage to avoid surprises.

2. Get a Professional Dental Cleaning
   Before you get braces, it's imperative to start with a clean slate:

• Remove Plaque and Tartar: A professional cleaning will remove any buildup that could cause problems once the braces are in place.
• Check for Dental Issues: Address cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems before getting braces. It'll save you time in the long run.

3. Stock Up on Orthodontic Supplies and Soft Foods
   Being prepared at home will make your transition to life with braces much easier:

• Orthodontic Care Kit: We'll give you basic items. Additionally you may choose to invest in products designed for braces care, including a water flosser, orthodontic toothbrush, and wax for any potential irritation. They are not required, but you may find you like the convenience these items offer you.
• Soft Food Galore: Your teeth will likely be sensitive after the first initial bonding. Stock your pantry with soft foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.
• Pain Management: Have over-the-counter pain relievers on hand to alleviate discomfort following your appointments.

To ensure the best possible outcome of your braces journey, it's important to take certain steps with confidence. Remember that achieving a stunning smile is a marathon, not a sprint. Prepare yourself well, and you'll cross the finish line with a grin that's worth all the time and effort you put in. If you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation with our office, we're here for you! Simply fill out this quick form to get a call from our New Patient Coordinator! They will answer your questions and get your first visit scheduled. We hope to see you soon!