Life with Braces
Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It’s important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment. Click on any of the links below for more information.
Eating With Braces
What to Eat When You Have Braces from AAO on Vimeo.
Don’t worry; you’ll be back to eating most of your favourite foods again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying all of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid or cut up any foods that could damage your new appliances.
VERY HARD FOODS – can do damage by distorting the wires, shearing off the brackets or loosening or breaking the tubes or attachments on the bands. Chewing ice cubes and bones such as spare ribs is not allowed. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be eaten if cut into wedges, thin strips or curls.
STICKY FOODS – such as chewing gum, bubble gum, toffee and liquorice wrap around the braces and tend to pull them loose and are hard to clean up. Also constant chewing forces may interfere with the action of certain headgears, appliances and elastics.
Are there any foods that MUST be limited?
Yes, there are two kinds:
SUGARY FOODS AND DRINKS – should be avoided where possible since they contribute to tooth decay. Clean your teeth immediately after sugary foods and rinse your teeth with water after sugary drinks.
POP, JUICES & SPORTS DRINKS – carbonated beverages, slurpees, sports drinks (even diet drinks) should be consumed in limited amounts as the high acid levels in these drinks will cause erosion of the enamel of the teeth. This can occur in a very short period of time and can quickly lead to a significant cosmetic problem and can contribute to rapid decay. It is better to drink these with a straw, avoid swishing them around your mouth and then rinse with water after.
Foods to Avoid
All hard, chewy or very crunchy foods especially if they are in large pieces such as:
- Hard foods – nuts, hard candies, large frozen desserts
- Chewy foods – bagels, hard licorice
- Crunchy foods – corn nuts, ice
- Sticky foods – caramel candies, chewing gum
- Foods that require biting into – apples, carrots (best to cut these up)
- Food that are hard to clean off your braces- corn on the cob, popcorn, orange quarters
Taking Care of Your Braces
Damaged braces or appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Avoid the foods listed under “foods to avoid” and habits such chewing fingernails or your pen or pencil. Frequent bending of the wires can permanently distort and eventually break them.
Also remember, your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your orthodontist.
Have More Questions?
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