Eating with Braces

What can you eat? Let’s talk about what you shouldn’t eat!

Avoid:
• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
• Sticky foods: caramels
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples

Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils, or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It’s more important than ever to brush 3-4 times per day so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning.

Athletics

If you play sports, it’s important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call our office at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.