One of the best ways to ensure your orthodontic treatment achieves great results as quickly as possible is to avoid damaging the brackets and wires in your mouth. Accidents happen, and orthodontists are very familiar with replacing and repairing damaged equipment. With that being said, there are steps you can take to protect the equipment and not have to schedule extra appointments, too. A primary way is to not eat foods that have a propensity for causing damage.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
The power of the human jaw is remarkable. It is the force that pushes teeth to do their jobs. Sometimes that force can achieve more than 200 pounds of pressure. While healthy teeth may be able to withstand tons of pressure (literally) because tooth enamel is so hard, orthodontic wires and brackets cannot. As a result, some foods are discouraged during orthodontic treatment.
Hard foods
Ice
Hard candy
Raw carrots
Nuts
Popcorn (because of the kernels)
Chips
Pizza crust
Sticky foods
Caramel
Licorice
Chewy candies
Gum
Foods you have to bite into
Apple
Corn on the cob
Sandwich/burger
Bagel
Soft Foods to Eat with Braces
When you first get your braces, it takes a few days for your mouth to get used to the equipment. Your teeth and jaw may be sore; and the inside of your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel raw. This is normal and will subside over time. (You may apply orthodontic wax the help with the rawness, but you want to take it out before eating or you’ll find yourself eating wax. If the soreness doesn’t diminish within a couple of weeks, check with your orthodontist.)
While your mouth adjusts, you may find certain foods easier to navigate than others. Some foods that are easy to chew, like citrus fruits, may sting the inside of your mouth where brackets have irritated the skin. The following foods are easy on sore teeth and tender mouths.
Yogurt
Eggs
Oatmeal
Mashed potatoes
Pudding
Soup
Beans
Cooked veggies
Bananas
Applesauce
Sliced bread or soft rolls
Pasta
Fish
Smoothies
Milkshake (although your teeth may be sensitive to cold initially)
What Can I Eat with Braces?
Once the soreness subsides, you can eat all the soft foods mentioned above plus any of the following as you find them comfortable.
Sandwiches (be prepared for the bread to get stuck in your brackets)
Pork chops
Bacon
Chicken
Citrus fruits
Soft tacos
Salads (without nuts or carrots)
Barbecue
Chocolate
Pretty much anything that’s not too hard or chewy
What if I Break a Bracket?
If a bracket comes loose or you feel a wire protruding, resist the urge to fix it yourself. Call your orthodontist and tell them what has happened. They can either squeeze you in for a quick repair appointment or advise you of next steps. It’s not a huge setback, but it’s not ideal either because it slows the treatment down until the repair can be made. At the end of the day, the more you comply with the orthodontist’s recommendations and instructions, the more smoothly (and quickly) your treatment will go.
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