Question for Orthodontists/ Dentists about braces and nail biting?

Why does the orthodontist say not to bite your nails and lips when you have braces. I bite my nails and it doesn't seem to effect anything, so what's the point? Also, what does biting your lip do? Thanks!

Question for Orthodontists/ Dentists about braces and nail biting?
It's not a big deal, but the results may be:





1. While your teeth are loose, you may put incorrect pressure on certain teeth, possibly making your treatment even longer.





2. (Unlikely), but there's a chance of breaking/snapping an appliance.
Reply:they are trying to eliminate any possible thing for you to break off brackets on. in the long run it will cause you to have to wear braces longer and if they charge for broken brackets or extra appointments it will add some money onto your already large bill.





you are not supposed to chew gum either and i chewed it every day when i had my braces. people are just different and just because you're careful with your braces doesn't mean other people aren't. they are just covering all their bases.





and as for biting your lip, it's just so you don't hurt yourself, it wouldn't effect the braces at all.
Reply:I have braces and bite my nails all the time, and when I get flirty, I bite my lip. Nothing really happens. Even though they tell me not to do it, I do it anyway because NOTHING HAPPENS!!! They're just scarred because someone else bit their lip and broke a brace. But they rarely happens. They also told me not to chew gum, but I got a second opinion from my friends dad (a.k.a dentist) and he said it helps the process go faster.