Have You Ever Had a Broken Bracket?

In an effort to improve our instructions and quality of care provided to our patients, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics recently did some internal research regarding the most common causes for broken brackets or wires during orthodontic treatment.  Of the patients poled over this period of time, 85% had broken brackets due to eating something hard or crunchy from the list on our GRISP card. 

This further confirms how important the patient's role is in contributing to a positive and damage-free process while wearing braces.  Broken brackets and wires can delay treatment, and cause unfavorable changes in the movement of teeth.   Other factor that contributed to broken brackets and wires were items such as traumas or injuries to the brackets, chewing on mouth guards during sporting activities, as well as chewing on pens and pencils. 

We hope this confirms the importance of following instructions to avoid certain foods listed on our GRISP card, as well as other foods that are similar in hardness or texture.  More information is available on our YouTube channel regarding foods to avoid, and our GRISP card can be reviewed with you or your child.  Please let us know how we can help.

We hope you recognize this as another opportunity for Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics to remain "Smiles Above the Rest".  As always, if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members.

Retainer Options

When it is time to remove your braces you are sure to  be very excited! Once the braces are removed it's time for retainers. It is important to know your new smile must be held in place, because the teeth naturally want to move back. You may have the option to choose between two kinds of retainers; removable or permanent. There are certain circumstances in which one is more beneficial than the other. It is always wise to know the options and benefits regarding your treatment.

Removable retainers offer the advantage of easy use. These are worn full time when the appliances are first removed. However, you will be able to enjoy some time with no appliances in your mouth. In some cases when there is a need to have the correction held constantly. A removable retainer must be worn responsibly, as instructed, to prevent relapse. Another major benefit to a removable retainer, is the ability to remove it to clean your teeth.


Permanent retainers work well for individuals who desire less maintenance. Once the permanent retainer is placed there is no need to worry about daily retainer schedules. Because teeth tend to shift as we age, a permanent retainer is typically a better long-term solution. One draw back for some patients is the extra effort of cleaning around a permanent retainer, which can sometimes become a "food trap" and does take a little more time to keep clean.

Some offices use a combination of the two; for example a removable retainer on the top, and a permanent one for the lower teeth. The lower teeth have a higher rate of relapse, so it is pertinent that they be held in place at all times. The most important thing to remember is that wearing your retainer as directed, is extremely important. Our doctors will recommend the retainers that are best for your situation. If you have any questions about retainers or the options that may be available to you, please contact anyone of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.