An essential part of orthodontic treatment, braces serve as corrective tools in dentistry. They rectify alignment issues and crooked teeth, contributing significantly to oral health. Notably, the use of braces does impact one’s lifestyle, most notably dietary habits. Let’s understand why.
General Guidelines When Eating with Braces
Chewing Carefully
People with braces need to exercise caution while chewing their food. Braces are fairly delicate, and chewing harshly can lead to damage. Patients should ensure they adopt the right chewing techniques to prevent any potential harm to their braces.
Moderating Consumption of Certain Foods
While most foods remain consumable with braces, their consumption should be moderated. This list includes some fruits, vegetables, and even forms of bread that could potentially harm the appliance.
Avoiding Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drink
Foods and drinks that are high in sugar or are acidic should be largely avoided. These substances can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and decay, both detrimental to teeth and braces.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Implementing and maintaining optimum oral hygiene practices are crucial when wearing orthodontist braces. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to keep the mouth clean and healthy.
Foods to Avoid with Orthodontist Braces
Having braces often involves making a few adjustments to your diet. The following are types of food to avoid to protect your braces and ensure your orthodontic treatment proceeds smoothly:
Hard Foods
Hard foods can cause braces to break or wires to bend. Here are some examples:
- Ice: Chewing on ice is a quick way to break a brace or bend a wire. It’s okay to use ice to cool drinks, but do not chew it.
- Hard Candies: Hard candies can cause damage to the appliance and increase the risk of cavities. It’s best to avoid them.
- Nuts: Nuts are small and hard and can cause much damage if bitten incorrectly. Opt for nut butter or finely chopped nuts instead.
- Popcorn Kernels: While popcorn isn’t a problem, unpopped kernels can wreak havoc on your braces.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can get lodged in braces and are usually hard to remove, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay. Examples include:
- Gum: Regardless of being sugar-free, gum can easily get stuck in the wires and brackets of braces.
- Caramel: Caramel is sticky and can cling to the appliance, leading to potential damage. Avoid all foods containing caramel.
- Taffy: Much like caramel, taffy is very sticky and can adhere to braces, resulting in a high risk of damage.
Chewy Foods
Chewy foods often require vigorous biting or chewing, which can stress the braces and potentially dislodge them. Avoid:
- Bagels: While bagels are not inherently bad for braces, their chewy texture can be hard on your appliance, especially if your bagel isn’t fresh.
- Tough Meats: If the meat you eat requires a lot of chomping, it is more likely to damage your braces. Opt for tender cuts or ground meats instead.
- Chewing Gum: Like sticky foods, chewing gum can get trapped in your braces and is challenging to clean.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
While we’ve focused on orthodontist braces, it would be incomplete, not to mention Invisalign clear aligners. These are excellent alternatives for those seeking aesthetics and comfort while undergoing teeth alignment correction. If you’re interested in this option, a starting point could be finding local Invisalign clinic in BC.
Foods You Can Enjoy With Orthodontist Braces
Getting braces doesn’t mean you must give up all your favorite foods. There are still plenty of delicious and nutritious foods that you can enjoy safely. Here’s a list of foods that are braces-friendly:
Soft Foods
- Mashed Potatoes: They can be flavored in numerous ways and are easy to eat with braces.
- Yogurt: A great choice for breakfast or a snack, it’s soft, nutritious, and requires no chewing.
- Pasta: Cooked pasta is soft and easy to chew. Just be careful with hard, crunchy toppings or chewy meats.
- Scrambled Eggs: A great source of protein that is soft and easy to chew.
- Avocado: Smooth and creamy, an excellent source of healthy fats, and can be eaten in many different ways.
- Cheese: Soft cheeses or melted cheese requires very little chewing and is safe for braces.
Liquid or Semi-Liquid Foods
- Soups: A hearty, nutrient-rich soup made with soft veggies and small pieces of meat can be a great meal that is easy on the braces.
- Smoothies: A healthy smoothie can be an easy way to get in fruits, vegetables, and proteins for those with sore teeth after adjustment appointments.
- Applesauce: It’s sweet, nutritious, and easy to eat, even after an orthodontist appointment.
- Pudding or Custard: A soft and creamy dessert that doesn’t require a lot of chewing and isn’t likely to stick to braces.
Drink
- Water: It’s essential to stay hydrated, and drinking water can also help clean away food particles from braces.
- Milk: Full of calcium, milk is good for your teeth and is completely safe with braces.
- Fruit Juice Without Pulp: Pulp-free fruit juices can be a great way to enjoy the fruit flavors without risking damage to your braces.
How to Prepare Foods When Wearing Orthodontist Braces
Cooking
Knowing how to cook for someone wearing orthodontist braces is an essential skill. Foods should be prepared in a way that makes them easy to consume, such as boiling vegetables, fruits, and even meats to soften their texture.
Cutting Foods into Smaller Pieces
Cutting foods into bite-sized pieces can also make a huge difference. These actions prevent unnecessary pressure from being applied to the braces, thus preventing potential damage.
Orthodontist Braces and Invisalign Clinics
The evolution of orthodontics has blessed us with a diverse range of treatment options. Where traditional braces are the most common, Invisalign and other modern tools present us with modern orthodontics treatment methods that enhance comfort and accuracy.
Orthodontics Clinic
For in-depth information on braces, dietary guidelines, and treatment options, you should consult a professional. Paying a visit to an orthodontics clinic in your vicinity is a useful resource, especially since experts there can help you find out more about your specifics.
Conclusion
As we now understand, wearing orthodontic braces requires a mindful approach to eating. It is necessary to avoid foods that could potentially damage or break them. Ensuring proper oral hygiene is equally important. Remember, going through this phase cautiously will yield the best results: a healthy and perfect smile.
