You just got your braces. The next thing you should think about is how to properly take care of them. We’re not just talking about brushing your teeth, but also about what foods you should avoid eating. In this article, we will cover foods that you can eat and those you should avoid while wearing braces.
What To Expect – What It Will Be Like With Braces
You might find it uncomfortable having wires and brackets glued to your teeth. But don’t worry, this is only temporary, and it will take some time to get used to wearing braces. In general, most patients can experience discomfort for the first four days to a full week. You might have sore gums, scraped cheeks from wires, and a general feeling of tightness in your mouth. These are all signs that the braces are working and your teeth are shifting into their new position.
On the first day of braces, if you’re experiencing any pain, your orthodontist may have recommended an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen. But be sure to not take it on an empty stomach as it can cause you to feel nauseous. It is best to take the painkiller after you have eaten something.
Foods You Can Eat
Getting braces doesn’t hurt forever, but they can make your teeth sensitive for a few days. Eating hard, tough textured, or crunchy foods can make this sensitivity worse and lead to pain. In addition, knowing what you can and cannot eat when you first get your braces tightened is important. The following list offers some examples of good food to eat:
- Cooked and soft vegetables like mashed potatoes, peas, and green beans
- Tender meat like fish and other seafood
- Scrambled, poached, or boiled eggs
- Soft cheese like mozzarella
- Yogurt
- Tofu
- Soups
- Moist desserts
- Pasta
- Oatmeal
Foods To Avoid
Being aware of which foods to avoid with braces will also help you during your treatment. Abstaining from these foods will help you avoid any unnecessary pain and discomfort with your braces.
- Chewy and sticky sweets like caramel, toffees, and gummies can pull at your wires and loosen your brackets
- Hard candy and nuts like pistachios as they can crack or chip your braces
- Thick cut of meats like steak as they can be hard to bite
- Chips, popcorn, and pretzels as they can get stuck in your braces
- Thick bread like bagels as they can bend your wires
You can slowly transition to eating these items once your teeth get used to the braces.
What To Do If Problems Arise
If you happen to experience any pain or discomfort with your braces, it is best to consult with your orthodontist. Here are some problems you might experience and what you can do about them:
- Sore gums after adjustments — Right after every adjustment, you can expect your gums to be a little sore for about a day or two. During this time, you can take over-the-counter pain medication and eat soft foods. The soreness will eventually go away on its own.
- Broken wire — Broken wires are usually caused by eating hard or crunchy foods. Make sure to avoid these types of foods. If you experience a broken wire, place orthodontic wax on the end of the wire so it doesn’t poke the inside of your cheek and contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
- Loose metal bracket — Another common problem is a loose bracket which often is the result of eating sticky, chewy, and hard foods. If a bracket does come loose, you can also put orthodontic wax around the bracket just so it doesn’t rub against your cheek, but it’s best to visit the orthodontist to have these issues fixed properly.
Conclusion
Knowing what food to avoid with braces and what you can safely consume will help make your orthodontic treatment be more comfortable. By managing what you eat, you can avoid some unnecessary pain and discomfort.
The dedicated team at Bay Area Orthodontists will work with you from the start of your orthodontic journey to help you achieve the smile of your dreams with the latest orthodontic advancements and procedures available. We provide a customized approach and strive to give our patients the most enjoyable orthodontic experience possible. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign options.
Each of these treatment options has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consult with your orthodontist to find out which one is right for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a treatment that involves wearing a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Because they are nearly invisible, Invisalign aligners are much less noticeable than traditional braces. They are also removable, so they won’t interfere with your eating or oral hygiene routines. In addition, the smooth plastic material used for Invisalign aligners won’t irritate gums or cheeks, and there are no wires or brackets to tighten, so you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair for adjustments.
Invisalign is a great option for both adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without metal wires and brackets. It’s best for those who have mild to moderate cases of misalignment, as more complex cases may require traditional braces.
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are still one of the most popular options for straightening teeth today. While they may not be as invisible as clear aligners or ceramic braces, they are often more affordable and just as effective. Metal braces work by using brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into the correct position. The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth, and the wires are attached to the brackets using tiny rubber bands. As the wires are tightened, they apply gentle pressure to the teeth, moving them into alignment over time.
There are two main types of traditional braces:
- Metal braces: Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and are bonded to the front of the teeth.
- Ceramic braces: These types of braces are made of tooth-colored or clear ceramic. This makes them less obvious than metal braces.
Traditional braces are very strong and can handle more complex cases, perfect for those who require severe misalignment correction or kids who can’t seem to wear their retainers.
Clear Braces
Over the past few years, clear braces have become an increasingly popular option for people looking to straighten their teeth. They are made of clear, durable plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. They work by gradually shifting teeth into the correct position over time. Since clear braces are less noticeable than metal braces, they are perfect for adults who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their treatment.
In addition, clear braces are often more comfortable and require less frequent adjustments than metal braces. They are a great option for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overjets. Clear braces are also ideal for teenage patients when their teeth and jaw are still growing and changing. One disadvantage of clear braces is that they may be more expensive and can vary depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue being treated.
Ready for Straight Teeth?
Straightening your teeth is a big decision that can have a big impact on your smile and your overall oral health. It can be a significant investment of time and money, and it’s not always clear what the best course of action is. However, with the right guidance, straightening teeth can be a big success.
There are a number of different ways to straighten teeth, and the best method will vary depending on your individual needs. Each person’s mouth is different, so it’s important to consult with an orthodontist or dentist to determine which treatment is right for you. They will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of action.
So, what are your options to achieve a perfect smile? If you’re looking for a quick and easy fix, Invisalign may be the best option for you. For more comprehensive treatment, traditional braces may be the better choice. However, there are many other treatments available as well. If you’re not sure which treatment is right for you, consult with our orthodontist to discuss your options in detail.
At Bay Area Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of teeth straightening options to suit every patient’s needs. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can be proud of. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options for teeth straightening.