Braces-wearers often get bummed out at Halloween time, worrying that their orthodontia could cause them to miss out on the fun. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday while accepting your dental braces for what they are – a temporary but important part of your everyday costume. Here are just some of the ways to have a happy Halloween with braces.

Embrace the Season

Have an orthodontist visit coming up? Is it time to change your rubber bands on your metal or clear braces? Embrace the Halloween season and ask your Philadelphia orthodontist for orange or black rubber bands – or both – to show your true Halloween spirit.

Make Braces Part of Your Costume

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right? If you’re already wearing braces, make the most of this feature and turn it into a must-have accessory for your Halloween costume. Here are some of the best characters to dress up as and make your dental braces the focal point:

• Betty Suarez, Ugly Betty – Betty made a statement in the fashion industry by staying true to her own style – cardigans, glasses, braces, and all.
• Josie Geller, Never Been Kissed – Whether you’re dressing up as prom night Josie with the side ponytail or geeky Josie wearing overalls, braces are a major part of her look.
• Ted, There’s Something About Mary – High-school-aged Ted rocked some messy hair and massive braces, whether he was dressed casually or in a tan tux for prom.
• Gwen Stefani – Back in her No Doubt days, singer Stefani proudly rocked her braces. Any funky, feathered, rockabilly outfit with a bright red lip will make your braces the coolest accessory ever.

Follow the Food Rules

You will be tempted to cheat on Halloween and dig into your very favorite candy, if only for one night. We don’t want to discourage you from having a good time, but if that candy is on the do-not-eat-while-wearing-braces list, you could come to regret it immediately. Stick to soft chocolate treats, which melt faster and do less damage to your teeth and orthodontics, and stay away from:

• Caramel
• Taffy
• Candy apples
• Gummies
• Hard candy
• Bubblegum
• Nuts
• Popcorn

Keep It Clean

Whatever candy you do indulge in on Halloween, make sure you brush and floss thoroughly after you’re done eating. The last thing you want is for sugar and food pieces to stay stuck on your tooth enamel or hardware and sit devilishly wreaking havoc on your oral health.

Any braces-wearer will tell you – the only thing that’s worse than braces is getting a cavity while you have braces. So, clean up well and often to keep your teeth and orthodontics clear. If you can, keep the sugar snacking to a minimum and get it all out of the way in one sitting so nothing hangs around on your teeth for any length of time.

Take Care of Your Dental Braces

The last thing any braces-wearer wants to do is wake up on November 1 and realize they have to see their orthodontist to repair their damaged brackets and wires. Be smart and safe on Halloween and, if you do have a problem, contact Drs. Roberts & de Marsche, Philadelphia orthodontists and Invisalign providers located in Center City.