Halloween in Murray is full of excitement—pumpkin walks, school parades, and plenty of haunted fun. But when you are wearing braces, the season brings its own set of challenges. The good news? With a solid game plan, you can enjoy all the thrills of Halloween with braces without worrying about broken brackets or bent wires.
Sweet Treats: What’s In and What’s Out
Candy is a huge part of Halloween, and you do not have to skip it—just be smart about your choices.
Safe picks:
- Soft chocolate bars like Hershey’s or Reese’s Cups (without nuts)
- Kit Kats (if you break them into pieces and chew with your back teeth)
- Soft cookies, brownies, or cupcakes
To avoid:
- Caramel apples, jawbreakers, taffy, and anything sticky or super crunchy. These are the true villains when it comes to braces.
Want more guidance on candy and braces? Check out the American Association of Orthodontists’ advice for parents and teens for expert tips straight from the pros.
Fun fact: Candy corn, originally called “chicken feed,” has been around since the 1880s. Love it or hate it, it is still a Halloween classic.
Costume Confidence
Braces do not have to cramp your style—they can actually add to your Halloween look.
- Coordinate your elastics with your costume colors.
- Skip masks that press against your mouth—go with face paint or temporary glitter makeup instead.
- Add a playful twist—braces can be part of a “robot” or “metal-mouth” character if you want to lean into the look.
Fun fact: The tradition of dressing up on Halloween comes from ancient Celts, who wore costumes to scare away spirits during Samhain festivals.
Busting Halloween Myths About Braces
There are plenty of spooky stories out there, but do not let braces myths give you chills.
- “Braces will ruin your photos.” Wrong! They can actually give your costume an extra pop in group pictures.
- “You can’t enjoy Halloween with braces.” False, you just need to choose the right treats.
- “Braces rust.” Nope—modern materials are built to last without corroding.
Fun fact: The first commercial Halloween cards were sold in the early 1900s—long before trick-or-treating became popular in the U.S.
Managing Scary Surprises
If a bracket pops off or a wire starts poking, do not panic, it’s not the end of your night.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges.
- Keep your previous aligner tray as a backup if you’re in Invisalign.
- Call McDonough Orthodontics the next day to schedule a repair.
Parents: a small “Halloween braces kit” with wax, floss picks, and a travel toothbrush can make a big difference during candy season.
Fun fact: The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed over 2,700 pounds—bigger than a small car!
Keep Halloween About the Fun
Whether you are walking through a haunted house in Murray or trading candy after trick-or-treating, braces do not have to get in the way. With smart candy choices, creative costumes, and quick fixes for small problems, Halloween with braces is full of fun—not frights.
6070 S. 1300 E., Suite 202
Murray, UT 84121