Life with Braces

Eating with Braces

One of the first questions most patients ask is, “What can I eat?” While you will need to make some temporary changes to your diet to protect your new braces, you won’t be stuck with a menu of milkshakes and soup. The key is to avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy, as these can damage your brackets and wires.

Foods to Avoid:

• Chewy Foods: Tough bagels, licorice, hard rolls
• Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, hard-shell tacos, ice, thick chips
• Sticky Foods: Caramel, taffy, chewing gum
• Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, tough pretzels
• Foods You Bite Into: Whole apples, corn on the cob, raw carrots (cut these into small pieces instead!)

Braces-Friendly Foods:

• Dairy: Soft cheeses, yogurt, pudding
• Breads: Soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins
• Grains: Pasta, soft-cooked rice, oatmeal
• Meats/Poultry: Meatballs, tender chicken, lunch meats
• Fruits & Veggies: Bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables

Managing Discomfort

It is completely normal to feel some soreness or tenderness in your teeth and mouth after getting your braces on or after an adjustment. This is a sign that your braces are working! This initial discomfort usually fades within a few days.

Here are a few tips to find relief:

• Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Gently swish the solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds to help soothe sore spots and irritated gums.
• Orthodontic Wax: Your lips and cheeks need time to get used to the new hardware. If a bracket or wire is rubbing, you can place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the area to create a smooth barrier. We are always happy to provide you with more wax if you run out.
• Pain Relievers: If the soreness is persistent, an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.

You may also notice your teeth feel slightly loose. Don’t worry, this is part of the process! Your teeth must loosen a bit before they can move into their new, straighter positions.

Caring for Your Braces

Protecting your orthodontic appliances is essential for keeping your treatment on schedule. Damaged brackets or bent wires can set back your progress. If you ever notice a loose wire or band, please contact our office as soon as you can so we can get it fixed. If a piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.

For a poking wire that is causing irritation, you can try to gently push it back into place with the eraser end of a pencil. If that doesn’t work, cover it with wax until you can see us.

Excellent oral hygiene is more important than ever with braces. Brushing and flossing thoroughly will prevent plaque buildup around your brackets, keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment.

Playing Sports with Braces

Having braces doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. We encourage our patients to stay active! However, it is crucial to protect your smile and your appliances while you play. We strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard designed for orthodontics during any contact sports or activities where your mouth could get hit.

These special mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably over your braces and protect your lips, teeth, and appliances from impact. If you do experience a sports-related injury to your mouth, check for any damage to your braces and contact our office right away.