Is it Worth Getting Adult Braces?
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign® Aligners?
Traditional metal braces exert gentle but constant pressure on your teeth so they move into optimal alignment. However, it’s important that you maintain good oral health during and after orthodontic treatment. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile for life! Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas can teach you their oral hygiene tips during your next appointment.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about eating with traditional metal braces.
Avoid Sticky, Hard-to-Chew Foods
Certain foods can wreak havoc on your metal braces, such as caramel or raw carrots. It’s important that you avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard-to-chew during your orthodontic treatment. Otherwise, you risk damaging the metal wires and brackets that make up your dental braces.
Here are some of the foods that we recommend avoiding:
- Hard breads and rolls
- Thick pizza crust
- Thick cuts of meat
- Popcorn
- Ice cubes
- Chewing gum
- Chewy candies, such as taffy
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables
- Hard chips, crackers, or pretzels
If you aren’t sure about a certain food, consider its texture and chewiness. Does it take a lot of effort to chew a certain food? If so, it’s probably affecting the metal wires and brackets on your teeth—and not in a good way.
Limit Sugary Foods
The bacteria that live inside your mouth love to eat sugar. That’s why it’s a good idea to reduce how much sugar you consume, especially if you have . If you eat a diet that’s high in sugar, you’ll be feeding the bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria then use this sugar to produce an acid that attacks your gums and erodes the enamel.
Brushing and flossing your teeth isn’t enough on its own to maintain good overall health. You should also be mindful of the foods and beverages you include in your regular diet. Take this time to re-evaluate the foods in your fridge and cupboards. Be sure to check the nutritional information on the label to see how much sugar is in your current diet and make adjustments as needed.
By reducing your sugar intake, you’ll help prevent plaque buildup inside the mouth. You’ll also lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Learn More: How to Maintain a Healthy Smile with Braces →
Enjoy Healthy, Delicious Foods
When you first get metal braces your teeth may feel a little sore. For this reason, you may want to stick to foods that are soft and easy to chew.
We recommend the following foods during orthodontic treatment:
- Oatmeal
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Soft Cheeses
- Soft Breads
- Tender Meat Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces
- Soft Fruits
- Cooked or Soft Vegetables
- Soups
- Mashed Potatoes
- Pasta
- Seafood
Your teeth won’t be sore forever, but it’s nice to have a lot of food options in the house so you don’t feel deprived. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a diet that’s both nutritious and delicious during . You just have to be willing to put in the effort and make healthy, mindful changes. Changing your relationship with food is just one of the many benefits of traditional metal braces.
What Should I Do If My Wires or Bands Come Loose?
We’re all human. For this reason, we have to be kind to ourselves during the challenges we encounter during orthodontic treatment. If you can’t avoid the temptation of chewy foods and end up damaging your braces, there’s no sense in beating yourself up over it. Simply call our office and we’ll try to fit you into our schedule as soon as possible.
Depending on the extent of damage, you may be able to apply a temporary fix at home until your next checkup. For other types of damage, you may need to see our team right away. Please read our emergency care instructions and call one of our offices to determine your next steps.
Book a Consultation for Metal Braces
Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and surrounding areas are accepting new patients. To schedule your first consultation with us, please call Parrish Orthodontics at (260) 447-2568. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.