Life With Braces
Your braces will be attached quickly and easily to your teeth, but a full day is necessary for the bands to completely affix. It is a good idea to wait several hours after getting braces before eating solid food. You may find it easier to eat soft foods for the first couple of days while you are becoming accustomed to eating with your new braces.
Comfort/Braces Concerns
The braces may feel a little awkward at first and the teeth may be tender or sensitive to pressure. This is completely normal and will go away soon. It may feel as though the braces are “sticking out,” but this sensation will also soon pass. Small pieces of orthodontic wax may be used if the brackets irritate cheek tissues. Our office always has extra wax in case you run out so call us if you need more.
Some patients experience very little discomfort at the beginning of treatment, but the majority of patients do not feel any discomfort because we have incorporated the latest technology in wires that are heat sensitive.
Braces and eating habits
Braces are attached to your teeth with a strong adhesive, but may become loose as a result of eating certain foods. It is also possible that wires could become bent or broken without proper care. Since it is best to achieve orthodontic treatment goals with as few disruptions as possible, a well-balanced diet is important to ensure a healthy environment for your teeth.
Patients should avoid foods that are sticky, hard or chewy. They should also avoid any food and drinks that are known to cause cavities. Patients should brush, floss and rinse their mouth regularly between meals.
The foods below are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances and are examples of what NOT to eat while wearing braces:
- gum
- beef jerky
- nuts
- hard or sticky candy
- corn chips
- crisp taco shells
- whole apples
- celery
- caramel
- taffy
- popcorn
- soft drinks
- candy bars
Eating restricted foods and lack of care for orthodontic appliances may cause problems which will result in extra visits and repairs that will ultimately extend the length of orthodontic treatment. You will have plenty of time to enjoy these restricted foods after completing your treatment. Any specific braces questions about food choices should be directed to the staff.
