Foods to avoid with braces
Having braces requires some adjustments in daily life, including your food choices. Certain foods can damage or delay your treatment. Here’s a guide on what to avoid and tips on managing your diet with braces.
Foods to avoid:
Hard foods:
Nuts, ice, and hard candies can strain the braces and cause damage.
Sticky foods:
Caramel and gum can get stuck in the braces, causing discomfort and potential damage.
Whole fruits:
Biting directly into hard fruits like apples can put extra force on the braces and cause damage
Popcorn:
Kernels and shells can get trapped in the braces, causing discomfort and potential harm.
Tips for eating with braces:
Cut food into small pieces:
This reduces pressure on the braces and makes chewing easier.
Chew with back teeth:
Use your molars, which are better suited for chewing without affecting the braces.
Drink plenty of water:
Helps wash away food particles and reduce irritation.
Clean braces after meals:
Use a braces or interdental brush to remove food and bacteria to keep the braces clean and effective.
Proper care allows you to enjoy most foods. If you have any concerns during your treatment, feel free to contact us.
Consequences of Poor Braces Maintenance
Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with your orthodontic progress and oral hygiene. Common problems include loosening of the braces, which can cause teeth to shift back to their original positions, extending the treatment time by about a month for each damage. A poorly maintained brace can also lead to difficulty keeping teeth and gums clean, resulting in cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
We’ll support you throughout your treatment and provide a retainer for post-treatment care.
Consequences of Poor Braces Maintenance
Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with your orthodontic progress and oral hygiene. Common problems include loosening of the braces, which can cause teeth to shift back to their original positions, extending the treatment time by about a month for each damage. A poorly maintained brace can also lead to difficulty keeping teeth and gums clean, resulting in cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
We’ll support you throughout your treatment and provide a retainer for post-treatment care.
How does it work?
The metal brackets are glued very strategically and precisely onto each tooth. When they are connected with a suitable metal wire, they will eventually line up in a straight line. When the teeth are nicely aligned in both the jaws, small elastics bands are often used to pull the teeth together to consolidate the teeth in both jaws for optimal function and aesthetics.
How does it feel?
Braces may feel rough and sharp on the surface when wearing them initially. Bear in mind that the inner surface of your mouth is only familiar to the smoothness of the surface of your teeth.
It may therefore, take some time – getting use to, before your mucous membranes develop tougher “skin” which can tolerate the different surfaces of your braces. In the first couple of days of wearing braces, your teeth may be soar.
Sornsiri Sae-Wang
Founder, manager and orthodontist at OrthodonticsCPH with extensive experience in treating children, adolescents and adults.