---
title: "Top 10 Everyday Habits That Damage Braces and Aligners"
url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/top-10-habits-that-damage-braces-and-aligners-uk
description: "Ten everyday habits that break brackets or warp aligners at school or work, from pen chewing to hot water, with safer swaps."
updated: 2026-10-07T00:00:00Z
publisher: Virtual Consultant Online
---

Top 10

Braces

Clear aligners

# Top 10 Everyday Habits That Damage Braces and Aligners

Most broken brackets and warped aligners do not come from one dramatic accident. They come from small habits repeated at a desk, in a classroom or over lunch: chewing a pen, picking at a wire, grabbing a hot drink with the trays in or wrapping them in a napkin. This list sets out ten of the commonest habits in the UK, ranked by how much damage and delay they tend to cause, and says what to do instead, using NHS, British Orthodontic Society and General Dental Council guidance. It is general information, not advice for your own mouth.

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| Habit | What it can damage | Safer swap |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. Biting hard or sticky food | Brackets, bands and wires | Cut food small and choose softer options |
| 2. Chewing pens, pencils and ice | Brackets, wires and enamel | Keep a sugar-free alternative to hold or sip |
| 3. Biting nails and picking at skin | Brackets and bent wires | Short nails, a fidget item and a reminder |
| 4. Fiddling with brackets and wires | Loosened brackets and poking wires | Wax on the spot and leave the rest to the practice |
| 5. Using teeth as tools | Brackets, wires and teeth | Scissors, bottle openers and your hands |
| 6. Chewing gum and sticky sweets | Brackets and the wire | Skip them during treatment |
| 7. Eating or drinking with aligners in | Staining, decay risk and cracked trays | Remove the trays and drink only plain water |
| 8. Wrapping aligners in tissue | Lost or crushed trays | Always use the case |
| 9. Hot water and harsh cleaning | Warped trays and scratched plastic | Cool water and a soft brush |
| 10. Clenching, grinding and leaning on the jaw | Brackets, trays and joints | Notice it, relax the jaw and ask about a guard |

## How we ranked these habits

These habits are ordered by how often they are likely to cause damage that needs a repair visit or delays treatment, and by how easy they are to avoid. That is an editorial judgement drawn from NHS and professional guidance on looking after braces and aligners, not a survey, and it does not measure how many people do each one. A habit that is harmless for one person can be a problem for another, depending on the brace, the glue, the age of the patient and the particular appliance. Treat the list as a prompt for the conversation with your own orthodontist, who knows how your brace is made and what it can tolerate. Where a habit is not covered here, the same principle applies: if it puts force on the brace, it can break it.

## Why small habits matter so much

A fixed brace is a set of small metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth with a dental adhesive, joined by a wire that applies gentle, continuous pressure. The adhesive is strong enough for normal eating but is designed to be removed again at the end of treatment, so a sharp knock or sustained force can break it. Clear aligners are thin plastic trays that fit closely and rely on keeping their precise shape. When something breaks or warps, the usual result is an extra appointment, a slower pace of movement and sometimes a replacement charge, and the British Orthodontic Society notes that careful patients tend to finish sooner. Many repair visits are avoidable. The same habits also affect enamel and gums, so the benefit of looking after the brace goes beyond avoiding repairs.

## 1. Biting hard or sticky food

Biting straight into whole apples, crusty rolls, hard sweets, nuts and tough meat on the bone puts a sudden load on brackets, and this is the first thing the NHS and orthodontic practices warn about. A bracket that comes away can leave a wire loose, scratch the cheeks and set treatment back until it is refitted. At school or work the risk grows at lunch, when food is eaten quickly and with distractions. Cut hard fruit and vegetables into small pieces, tear bread, choose softer fillings and take sticky snacks out of the lunchbox. Remember that the first few days after an adjustment are the most tender, so go for softer food then. Watch out for treating the list of foods to avoid as advice for the first week only, because a fixed brace needs protecting for the whole of treatment, and one careless bite is often all it takes.

## 2. Chewing pens, pencils and ice

Chewing the end of a pen or pencil, or crunching ice, is a habit that often starts under stress or when concentrating. Both put a point load on brackets and wires, and hard plastic or wood can also chip enamel. Ice is especially hard and cold, and the cold can make already sensitive teeth ache. If you notice the habit at a desk or in an exam, replace it with something that does not need biting: a sip of water, a sugar-free sweet that is safe for your brace if your orthodontist agrees, or a fidget object for your hands. Keep pens in a pot rather than in your mouth, and put ice cubes out of reach. For clear aligners the risk is different, because chewing on the tray itself can crack or dent it. Watch out for assuming that a habit you have had for years will stop on its own, since a brace gives you a good reason to deliberately break it.

## 3. Biting nails and picking at skin

Nail biting and picking at the skin around the fingers is common, particularly in teenagers and in stressful jobs. With braces, the nail is hard enough to catch under a wire or lever a bracket away, and fingers carry bacteria into a mouth that is already harder to keep clean. Nail biting can also sore the lips and gums. Short, smooth nails give you less to bite, and keeping your hands busy with a stress ball or a hair band on the wrist can help. Habit-reversal approaches, such as noticing the urge and doing something else, are often suggested by health professionals, and your GP or dentist can point you towards support if it feels beyond your control. Tell your orthodontist if a wire has been bent. Watch out for waiting until the wire is stabbing the cheek before reporting it, because a distorted wire can move teeth in the wrong direction.

## 4. Fiddling with brackets and wires

Pushing wires with your tongue, flicking a bracket with a fingernail or bending a poking wire with tweezers is tempting when something feels rough. The wire is under tension, and any bending can change the way it moves your teeth. Brackets can be loosened by repeated pressure even if they do not come off immediately. If a wire is sticking out, press a small piece of orthodontic wax over the sharp part and call the practice. NHS advice for broken braces is to contact the orthodontist and keep the appointment. If a bracket is loose but still attached, leave it and keep the area clean. Avoid putting anything between the wire and the tooth. Watch out for cutting a wire yourself unless a clinician has told you how to, because the cut end can be swallowed or injure the mouth, and a self-adjusted wire may need replacing anyway.

## 5. Using teeth as tools

Opening bottles, tearing packets, cutting tape, holding pins or hair clips and gripping tools between the teeth all put forces on the front of the brace that it was not designed for. This is a habit that is easy to forget in a busy workplace or workshop, and even with healthy natural teeth it can cause chips and cracks. With a brace the first thing to give way is usually a bracket or a band. Keep a pair of scissors or a bottle opener at your desk, ask someone to hand you tape, and put pins or clips in a holder. For people who play musical instruments, the mouthpiece pressure can be an issue and your orthodontist can suggest solutions. Watch out for thinking that a quick tear with the teeth does no harm, since a bracket that is knocked loose can go unnoticed until it causes irritation or the wire slips out of place.

## 6. Chewing gum and sticky sweets

Chewing gum, toffee, caramel and chewy sweets can pull at brackets and wires and clog the spaces around them, and sticky residue is difficult to clean. Sugar sitting against the enamel is a common cause of decay and white marks, and the NHS recommends cutting down on sugary food and drinks between meals. Some orthodontists allow sugar-free gum in moderation for certain braces, but the safest approach is to ask your own orthodontist and follow their instructions. If you want fresh breath at school or work, brushing, flossing and sipping water after meals do more good than gum. Keep a travel toothbrush and some interdental brushes in your bag. Watch out for the idea that sugar-free means safe for the brace, because the sugar is not the only issue: stickiness and chewing force can still loosen an appliance.

## 7. Eating or drinking with aligners in

Clear aligners are designed to be taken out for eating and drinking anything other than plain water. Drinks such as tea, coffee, squash and fizzy pop can stain the plastic, and sugar trapped between tray and tooth increases the risk of decay. Hot drinks can also warp the plastic. Chewing with trays in can crack them, and many people forget and snack at their desk. Build a habit: take them out, put them straight in the case, eat, clean your teeth or at least rinse, and put them back. Wear time is typically around 22 hours a day, so quick removal and prompt replacement are the key to staying on track. If you cannot brush at work, rinse thoroughly or chew sugar-free gum if your orthodontist says it is fine. Watch out for sipping flavoured drinks through the day with aligners in, because the trays hold the liquid against your teeth.

## 8. Wrapping aligners in tissue

Aligners wrapped in a napkin or tissue at lunch are one of the most commonly lost or thrown away. They look like rubbish, disappear in a bag or fall off a tray, and a missing tray usually means a replacement charge and a gap in treatment. Even in a pocket, the plastic can be bent. Always keep the rigid case where you can see it, put the trays in it as soon as they come out and check the case before leaving a table. Some people keep a spare case in the car, at work and in a school bag, and set a reminder on their phone. Never put aligners on a tray, a plate or a table. If you lose one, contact the practice quickly, because they may advise going back to the previous set or ordering a replacement. Watch out for leaving trays in a car or near a radiator, since heat can distort them.

## 9. Hot water and harsh cleaning

Hot or boiling water warps clear plastic, and a distorted tray no longer fits properly, so using it can fail to move teeth or move them wrongly. Abrasive toothpaste, rough brushes, bleach and strong mouthwash can scratch or cloud the surface, and scratches hold bacteria and stains. Rinse aligners in cool or lukewarm water, brush them gently with a soft brush and mild soap or the cleaner your orthodontist suggests, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Removable retainers need similar care and a case when out of the mouth. For fixed braces, the equivalent is cleaning thoroughly with a soft brush and interdental brushes, not scrubbing so hard that the gums are hurt. Watch out for dropping aligners into a cup of hot water to clean them or dissolving a cleaning tablet in boiling water, because a tray that has changed shape may need to be replaced.

## 10. Clenching, grinding and leaning on the jaw

Many people clench their teeth or grind them when concentrating, stressed or tired, and some rest their chin on their hand at a desk or sleep on their face. With braces, repeated pressure can loosen brackets, cause sore teeth and jaw muscles, and wear through or crack aligners. The NHS notes that stress and anxiety are linked to teeth grinding, and a dentist can check for signs of wear. If you wake with a sore jaw or headache, mention it to your orthodontist. They may suggest relaxation techniques, a different position for your desk or phone or a night guard fitted over or instead of the appliance. During contact sport a custom mouthguard is a better protection than a standard one. Watch out for putting up with jaw pain, since persistent clicking, locking or pain deserves a proper assessment rather than a guess.

## What to do when something breaks

Even careful people have breakages, and the sensible approach is to deal with them calmly. If a bracket has come off but the wire is still in place, keep it in an envelope, call the practice and ask whether it needs to be seen promptly. If a wire is poking, cover it with orthodontic wax. If an aligner cracks, contact the practice before deciding whether to wear the old set or the cracked tray. Do not wait until the next routine appointment unless you are told that is fine, as delay can allow teeth to move. The NHS advises that a broken brace is not usually an emergency, but pain, swelling or a swallowed piece needs more urgent help. Keep the practice phone number and out-of-hours advice saved in your phone, and carry a small kit with wax, a mirror and a case.

## Habits to build instead

The most reliable way to avoid damage is to replace the bad habit with a good routine. Keep a case in every bag, brush and interdental brush at work and school, and a pot of wax in the pencil case or drawer. Eat meals at set times, cut hard food small and keep a bottle of water on your desk. Tell colleagues, teachers and friends about your brace so they do not offer you gum or sweets. For teenagers, parents can help with a routine rather than nagging, and reward systems can work. Set a reminder for your next appointment so that small problems are caught early. Take a photo at the start so that you can see changes. Ask the practice to explain what to expect from your own brace. If you work somewhere with shared kitchens or break rooms, keep a small pouch there with a toothbrush, floss and your aligner case so that cleaning after lunch takes two minutes rather than being skipped. At school, a note to the form tutor or a quiet word with the school nurse can mean a teenager is allowed to leave a lesson to deal with a broken wire, which makes it far more likely that problems are reported early rather than ignored.

## Key takeaways

The habits that damage braces and aligners are usually small and repeated. Avoid biting hard or sticky food, chewing pens and ice, picking at brackets and using teeth as tools. With aligners, take them out to eat and drink anything but water, keep them in the case and clean them in cool water. Notice clenching and grinding, and ask about a guard. If something breaks, contact the practice rather than waiting. A few simple routines at school or work protect your treatment time and your teeth. This is general information, not personal medical advice, and your own orthodontist should guide the care of your appliance.

## Useful related pages

[Why Brackets Come Off](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/bracket-debonding-causes-uk)

[Foods to Avoid With Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/foods-to-avoid-with-braces-uk)

[Broken Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/broken-braces)

[Orthodontic Emergency Advice](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-emergency-advice)

[Clear Aligner Care](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/clear-aligner-care-uk)

[Aligner Food and Drink Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/what-can-i-eat-drink-with-aligners-uk)

[Braces at Secondary School](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/secondary-school-braces-uk)

[Braces at Work](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-at-work-professional-life-uk)

[Bruxism and Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/bruxism-and-braces-uk)

[Top 10 Clear Aligner Mistakes](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/top-10-clear-aligner-mistakes-uk)

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### Frequently Asked Questions

What habits are most likely to break braces?

Biting hard or sticky food, chewing pens and ice, nail biting, picking at brackets and using teeth as tools are the usual culprits. Each puts a sudden or sustained force on brackets and wires. Your orthodontist can say which risks matter most for your own brace.

Can I chew gum with braces?

Ask your own orthodontist. Many advise avoiding gum with fixed braces because it can stick to and pull on brackets, and sugary gum also raises the risk of decay. Some allow sugar-free gum in moderation, but follow the specific advice you have been given.

What should I do if I bite my nails and have braces?

Keep nails short, keep your hands busy and tell your orthodontist if a wire has been bent or a bracket loosened. Your dentist or GP can suggest ways to break the habit, which is common and often linked to stress.

Can hot water ruin clear aligners?

Yes. Hot or boiling water can warp the plastic so the tray no longer fits as designed. Rinse aligners in cool or lukewarm water, clean them with a soft brush, and ask your provider which cleaning products suit your trays.

Can I drink tea or coffee with aligners in?

Plain water is the only drink usually recommended with aligners in. Tea, coffee and sugary drinks can stain the plastic and hold sugar against your teeth. Take the trays out, drink, then rinse and replace them.

What if I lose or break an aligner at work or school?

Contact the practice or provider promptly. They may tell you to go back to the previous tray, wear the damaged one for now or order a replacement. Do not guess, because the right answer depends on your stage of treatment.

Is a broken bracket an emergency?

Usually not, but you should call your orthodontist so they can advise on timing. Cover sharp wires with wax, keep the bracket if it came off and seek urgent help for severe pain, swelling or if a piece has been swallowed.

Do I need a mouthguard if I grind my teeth with braces?

Mention grinding or clenching to your orthodontist or dentist. They can check for wear and may suggest a night guard or other advice. Do not use a shop-bought guard over a fixed brace without asking, as it may not fit safely.

How were these ten habits ranked?

They are ordered by how likely each is to cause damage that needs a repair or delays treatment, and by how easy it is to avoid. It is an editorial judgement based on NHS and professional guidance, not a survey, and your own orthodontist's advice takes priority.

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Citation details

Title Top 10 Everyday Habits That Damage Braces and Aligners

Publisher Virtual Consultant Online

Published 2026-10-07

Updated 2026-10-07

URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/top-10-habits-that-damage-braces-and-aligners-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/top-10-habits-that-damage-braces-and-aligners-uk)