Will Braces Damage My Teeth or Gums?


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Dear Dr. Barakat,

Will braces damage my teeth or gums?


Dear Concerned Parent,

The great news is that braces are very safe! The key is to have excellent home care to avoid “damage.” |

This is a question that I often get from parents and patients, mainly due to their personal experiences when they had braces as children and teens. The fact is, technology has advanced so much that the current braces and types of cement are specifically designed to avoid damage. Having said that, the key really is great oral hygiene, along with conscious home care.

The area that is susceptible to enamel “ scarring “ is the area around the braces and the area between the braces and the gum line. The enamel under the braces stays intact. Think of the braces as a little shelf that can hold plaque. With proper care, there will be no lasting damage. Simply removing the plaque thoroughly every day with proper brushing and flossing will do the trick. Staying away from a lot of sugar, sodas, and sports drinks goes a very long way, as well!


Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.

As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.

Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

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