Brown Family Orthodontics’ Holiday Gift Guide for Braces Wearers

Brown Family Orthodontics’ braces-friendly Thanksgiving guide: what to eat (and avoid), soft dessert ideas, aligner tips, and hygiene hacks for a worry-free holiday.

What to Enjoy (and What to Avoid) This Halloween with Braces Table of Contents A Sweet Season for Smiles Meet Our Doctors The Scary Side of Sticky Sweets Braces-Friendly Candy: What's Safe to Enjoy Candy Culprits to Avoid Aligner Wearers: Treats, Tips & Tricks Smile Spotlight: Real Patients, Real Halloween Fun How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy After Halloween Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions Introduction At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe that Halloween should be filled with fun, laughter, and just the right amount of sweetness, without any fright for your braces! Led by Dr. Ed Brown III (Dr. Ed) and Dr. Jessica Ulmer (Dr. Jess), our family-owned practice has been creating confident smiles for more than 50 years across Louisiana and Mississippi, with convenient locations in Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, dressing up for a party, or simply enjoying the season, you can still have your candy and protect your smile too. In this Halloween candy guide, we’ll walk you through what’s safe to eat with braces , what to skip, and how to care for your smile afterward. Our goal is to help you enjoy every treat—without a single trick for your orthodontic treatment! A Sweet Season for Smiles Halloween is one of the most magical times of the year—costumes, laughter, and of course, candy! But if you're in orthodontic treatment, it's also a season that calls for a little extra care. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe you should be able to enjoy the festivities while keeping your braces (and your smile) in great shape. Whether you're a trick-or-treating kid, a teen headed to a costume party, or an adult who loves a good chocolate bar, there are plenty of safe treats to enjoy. You don't have to miss out, you just need to make smart candy choices. Our orthodontic team put together this fun Halloween guide to help you navigate the candy aisles with confidence. From what to enjoy to what to skip, we've got you covered so your smile stays healthy and your treatment stays on track. Quick Tip: Not all candy is off-limits! With a little planning, you can enjoy all the Halloween fun without any scary surprises for your braces. Meet Our Doctors Dr. Ed Brown III Dr. Ed has been creating beautiful, confident smiles for families across Louisiana and Mississippi for decades. Known for his compassionate care and family-centered values, Dr. Brown continues the legacy his father established—one built on trusted expertise, integrity, and a deep commitment to the community. Dr. Jessica Ulmer Dr. Jess carries forward that legacy with modern innovation and a heart for patient care. She brings an artistic eye and a science-driven approach to every smile she crafts, helping patients achieve results that are both functional and beautiful. Together, Dr. Brown and Dr. Jess lead our team in creating smiles that truly last a lifetime. The Scary Side of Sticky Sweets Halloween candy is delicious, but some types can be a real nightmare for braces. Sticky, chewy, or hard candies can bend wires, pop off brackets, and even delay your treatment progress. Here's why: Sticky treats (like caramel, taffy, or gummy candy) cling to brackets and can pull them loose. Hard candies (like lollipops and jawbreakers) can crack wires or damage brackets when bitten. Chewy snacks (like licorice or toffee) tug on your braces and can get stuck in hard-to-clean places. Sour candies are often coated in acid and sugar, which can weaken enamel and increase your risk of cavities. Even one broken bracket can mean an unexpected visit and a setback in your progress, but the good news is that there are still plenty of safe, tasty options! Quick Take: If it stretches, sticks, or crunches loudly, it's not braces-friendly. Braces-Friendly Candy: What's Safe to Enjoy Halloween isn't canceled for braces wearers. You need to know what to reach for in your candy stash! Here's our list of orthodontist-approved Halloween treats: Chocolates (Soft & Simple) Plain chocolate bars (Hershey's, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate) Kit Kats or soft chocolate wafers Peanut butter cups (Reese's—always a favorite!) Chocolate-covered marshmallows or mints Sweet & Soft Snacks Soft cookies or brownies Cupcakes or muffins without crunchy toppings Pudding cups or soft chocolates that melt easily Non-Sticky Candies Powdery treats like Sweet Tarts, Pixy Stix, or conversation hearts Plain M&Ms (no nuts) Marshmallow-based treats Pro Tip: Let chocolate melt in your mouth before chewing. It's safer on your braces and just as satisfying! Candy Culprits to Avoid Even though these sweets might taste amazing, they can spell trouble for your braces. Here's what to avoid this Halloween: Caramels, Toffee, and Taffy: The stickiest villains of all! Gummy Bears, Worms, and Fruit Snacks: They wedge between teeth and wires. Jawbreakers and Lollipops: One bite can mean broken brackets. Nuts and Nut-Filled Candy Bars: Crunchy and risky for braces. Chewing Gum (Even Sugar-Free): It's a tangle waiting to happen. Popcorn Balls or Candy Apples: Fun to look at, not fun for your orthodontist to fix. Quick Take: Sticky, chewy, and hard candies are the "frightening three" of Halloween when it comes to braces care. Aligner Wearers: Treats, Tips & Tricks If you're wearing Invisalign® or clear aligners , you've got more freedom, but there are still a few golden rules to keep your smile safe. Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything but water. Candy and sugary drinks can stain or warp your trays. Brush before reinserting. Never trap sugar under your aligners. It can lead to decay or cloudy trays. Avoid hot drinks. Heat can distort the fit of your aligners. Keep your aligner case handy. Napkins are the number-one reason aligners go missing at parties! Stay mindful of sugar exposure. Even without brackets, your teeth still need TLC after treats. Pro Tip: Want festive fun without the risk? Decorate your aligner case with Halloween stickers or your favorite spooky designs! Smile Spotlight: Real Patients, Real Halloween Fun At Brown Family Orthodontics, we love celebrating our patients' creativity! Each Halloween, our team sees braces wearers turn their smiles into part of their costume—proof that orthodontic treatment doesn't stop the fun. One of our patients last year dressed up as a pumpkin and chose orange and black braces bands to match. Another went as a superhero, pairing red and blue colors to match her costume. Smile Spotlight: "I thought braces would make my costume harder, but my colors actually made it cooler," shared our patient Mia, age 13. "Everyone loved it!" It's that kind of confidence that makes the journey worth it. How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy After Halloween Once the trick-or-treating ends, the real challenge begins—keeping your smile cavity-free! Here's your post-Halloween smile care checklist: Brush thoroughly: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush around every bracket and wire. Floss (or use a water flosser): Get into those hard-to-reach spots where sugar hides. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash: Strengthen enamel and neutralize acids from sweet treats. Stay hydrated: Water helps wash away sugars and maintain a healthy oral environment. Schedule a check-up: If you feel something loose or uncomfortable, our team will get you back on track quickly. Quick Tip: Enjoy candy in moderation. Have a few pieces at once rather than snacking all day. It's easier on your teeth and your braces! Why Choose Brown Family Orthodontics At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe every smile tells a story, and for over 50 years, our story has been about helping families across Louisiana and Mississippi smile with confidence. Here's what makes our practice different: Family-Owned and Trusted for Generations: Our practice has been serving the community for decades with the same values of trust, integrity, and care. Expert Care, Modern Techniques: We offer advanced braces and aligner options designed for comfort, precision, and faster results. Personalized Treatment Plans: No two smiles are alike. We tailor every plan to your needs and lifestyle. 7 Convenient Locations: Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. 5-Star Service: With over 150 glowing Google reviews, our patients consistently describe their experience as friendly, professional, and family-like. Pro Tip: A beautiful smile is about more than straight teeth, it's about confidence that lasts a lifetime. Conclusion Halloween is meant to be sweet, and with a few smart choices, it can be braces-safe too! At Brown Family Orthodontics, we want every patient to enjoy the fun and festivities of the season without worrying about broken brackets or delayed treatment. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping your smile on track while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Stick with soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, and other melt-in-your-mouth treats, and steer clear of sticky, chewy, or hard candies that can harm your braces. After indulging, give your teeth some extra attention. Brush thoroughly, floss carefully, and rinse with water or fluoride mouthwash to wash away sugar and protect your enamel. And remember, if something feels off with your braces or aligners after Halloween, our friendly team is always here to help. We'll fix any issues quickly so you can get back to enjoying your fall festivities with confidence. From our family to yours, we wish you a fun, safe, and smile-filled Halloween! May your costumes be creative, your candy collection plentiful, and your smile as bright as ever. Brown Family Orthodontics – Over 50 Years of Trusted, Family-Owned Care 📍 Chalmette | Mandeville | Metairie | Marrero | Madisonville | Ocean Springs | Pascagoula 📞 504-455-1625 (LA) | 985-893-1044 (Madisonville) | 228-872-8153 (Ocean Springs) | 228-762-4403 (Pascagoula) 🌐 Visit brownfamilyortho.com Frequently Asked Questions Can I still enjoy Halloween candy with braces? Yes! You just need to choose wisely. Soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, and melt-in-your-mouth treats are all safe options. What candy should I avoid with braces? Skip sticky, chewy, and hard candies, like caramels, gummies, and lollipops, as they can damage brackets and wires. Can I eat chocolate with nuts? It's best to avoid candy with nuts, since biting into them can loosen or break your brackets. What if I accidentally break a bracket on Halloween night? We’ve got you! Call our office the next day, and we'll schedule a quick repair to keep your treatment on track. Can I enjoy Halloween with Invisalign® aligners? Absolutely! Just remove your trays before eating, brush after, and pop them back in. You can even decorate your aligner case for extra Halloween spirit. How do I keep my smile healthy after candy? Brush, floss, and rinse after eating sweets. Water and fluoride mouthwash are your smile's best friends! 🎃 Smile Challenge: Show us your best Halloween look! Tag @BrownFamilyOrtho with your braces-friendly costume or spooky smile. We'll feature our favorites on our page! Brown Family Orthodontics – Smiles that Last, Confidence that Grows.

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Why the AAO Recommends Your Child's First Visit by Age 7 Table of Contents Introduction What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? Why Age 7? Understanding the AAO Guidelines Signs Your Child May Need an Early Orthodontic Visit Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit? Brown Family Orthodontics: Trusted Care for Over 50 Years Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit Today! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Conclusion Introduction As parents, we all want the best for our children—including a beautiful, healthy smile. But did you know your child's first orthodontic visit should happen much earlier than the teenage years? According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early checkup ensures proper jaw growth, identifies potential alignment issues, and sets the foundation for a lifetime of straight, healthy teeth. At Brown Family Orthodontics, led by Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess , we specialize in providing early smile care for children across Mississippi and Louisiana. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned orthodontic care, our team is dedicated to offering preventive orthodontic solutions, including braces , Invisalign® and Spark Aligners to create confident smiles that last a lifetime. What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? An early orthodontic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your child's dental and jaw development. At this visit, our experienced orthodontists will: Examine how your child's teeth are growing. Check for any signs of misalignment or crowding. Assess the growth of the jaw and bite alignment. Identify potential orthodontic issues before they become serious. This evaluation allows us to detect problems early and, if necessary, plan a preventive orthodontic treatment to guide jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth. Why Age 7? Understanding the AAO Guidelines The AAO recommends an orthodontic checkup by age seven because this is when children's permanent teeth begin to come in. By this age, an orthodontist can spot subtle issues that may not be visible to parents or even general dentists. Key Reasons for an Age 7 Checkup: ✔ Jaw Growth Monitoring – Early detection of an overbite, underbite, or crossbite can help prevent more complex issues later. ✔ Identifying Crowding or Spacing Issues – Some children may have too much or too little room for incoming permanent teeth. ✔ Preventing Future Dental Complications – Addressing orthodontic problems early can minimize the need for later extractions or extensive treatment. ✔ Guiding Teeth into Proper Alignment – If needed, early appliances or braces can help ensure teeth grow in the right direction. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we follow the AAO guidelines to ensure your child receives the best preventive orthodontic care possible. Signs Your Child May Need an Early Orthodontic Visit While every child's development is different, there are common signs that indicate a need for an early orthodontic checkup: 🔹 Early or late loss of baby teeth 🔹 Difficulty chewing or biting 🔹 Mouth breathing 🔹 Thumb-sucking beyond age 4 🔹 Crowded, misplaced, or protruding teeth 🔹 Jaw shifting, clicking, or asymmetry 🔹 Speech difficulties If you notice these signs, don't wait—schedule an orthodontic evaluation with Brown Family Orthodontics today! Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment Some children may not need immediate treatment, but early intervention can significantly improve the lives of those who do. Advantages of Early Treatment: ✅ Creates Space for Permanent Teeth – Helps prevent crowding or impactions. ✅ Guides Jaw Growth – Improves facial structure and prevents jaw misalignment. ✅ Reduces the Risk of Tooth Damage – Protruding front teeth are more prone to injury. ✅ Minimizes the Need for Future Extractions – Aids in natural tooth alignment. ✅ Boosts Confidence – A beautiful smile can improve a child's self-esteem and social interactions. Early treatment can often reduce the length and complexity of orthodontic care needed in the teen years. What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit? A child's first orthodontic consultation at Brown Family Orthodontics is simple, comfortable, and informative. 🔹 Step 1: Initial Examination - Dr. Ed or Dr. Jess will carefully evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and jaw growth. 🔹 Step 2: Digital X-Rays & Imaging - We'll take X-rays or 3D scans to assess any hidden issues. 🔹 Step 3: Treatment Recommendations - We'll monitor growth if no immediate treatment is needed. If intervention is required, we'll discuss the best treatment options. 🔹 Step 4: Q&A Session – We'll answer all your questions and explain the next steps in your child's orthodontic journey. The goal is to make the visit educational, stress-free, and reassuring for both kids and parents. Brown Family Orthodontics: Trusted Care for Over 50 Years With a 5-star rating and over 150+ reviews, Brown Family Orthodontics has built a reputation for exceptional orthodontic care. We have seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, making it easy for families to access top-tier orthodontic services. 📍 Our Locations: ✔ Chalmette – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Mandeville – 📞 985-626-8297 ✔ Metairie – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Marrero – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Madisonville – 📞 985-893-1044 ✔ Ocean Springs – 📞 228-872-8153 ✔ Pascagoula – 📞 228-762-4403 We offer braces, Invisalign®, Spark Aligners and personalized orthodontic care to ensure beautiful, healthy smiles for all ages. Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit Today! If your child is around age 7, now is the perfect time to schedule their first orthodontic evaluation. Early care can improve their dental health and confidence. 📞 Call your nearest Brown Family Orthodontics location or click HERE to schedule a consultation today! A lifetime of healthy, confident smiles starts early—let's take the first step together! Conclusion Your child's smile is a vital part of their health and confidence, and early orthodontic evaluations play a key role in ensuring proper jaw growth, alignment, and long-term dental health. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a checkup by age 7, and at Brown Family Orthodontics, we are committed to providing expert care tailored to each child's needs. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned experience, Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess offer high-quality orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign®, across seven convenient locations in Mississippi and Louisiana. Whether your child needs early intervention or just monitoring, our goal is to help them achieve a healthy, confident smile for life. Don't wait—schedule your child's first orthodontic visit today! Call your nearest Brown Family Orthodontics location or click HERE to get started. A brighter, healthier smile begins with early care—let's take the first step together! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Will my child need braces after their first visit? Not necessarily! The first visit is primarily an evaluation to monitor growth. If treatment is needed, we'll discuss the best approach. What is the best age for braces? While braces are often placed between ages 10 and 14, early intervention (if needed) can make later treatment shorter and more effective. How long does an early orthodontic consultation take? A typical consultation lasts about 30-45 minutes and includes an exam, imaging, and discussion of treatment options. Does my child need a referral from a dentist? No referral is required! Parents can schedule an appointment directly with us. Does insurance cover early orthodontic evaluations? Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic evaluations. We can help check your benefits and discuss flexible payment options.