Braces straighten teeth and correct a variety of orthodontic problems, such as:
- Crooked teeth.
- Crowded teeth.
- Missing teeth.
- Malocclusion (issues with the way your teeth fit together).
- Gum disease
- tooth decay
Kids and teenagers are the most common age group to have braces, although adults often receive them. Moreover, when you continue to wear them, braces gradually align and straighten your teeth so that you can bite normally. In addition, some people wear orthodontic appliances to improve their smile.
Furthermore, orthodontists specialize in fixing problems with your teeth, whereas many general dentists provide basic alignment and treat other tooth concerns.
How Do Braces Work?
Your teeth change into their standard locations over time due to mild, continuous pressure applied by braces. However, the specifics of how this occurs depend on the braces you select.
Braces come in a variety of designs:
- Metal Braces
- Self-ligating Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Lingual Braces
- Clear Aligners
Eating When Wearing Braces
Eating might be difficult for the first few uncomfortable weeks after getting braces. However, you could discover that after getting braces on your teeth, your teeth don’t contact as they used to, altering the way you eat. Moreover, you may have to get used to biting and chewing slightly differently as your therapy progresses and your teeth shift.
9 Tips for Eating When Wearing Braces
Soft Foods
When you become used to the slight pressure of your new treatment, choosing a softer diet is the first step in minimizing soreness.
Here are some recommendations for soft, delicious foods:
- Fruits: Including apple sauce, bananas, and juice
- Meats/Poultry: These include meatballs, lunch meats, and soft-cooked chicken.
- Vegetables: You can have beans, peas, steamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and yams.
- Treats: You can eat milkshakes, smoothies, jelly, cake, and ice cream (no nuts) too!
Steer Clear of Sticky Candy
Despite how alluring they seem, you should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy candies; since they might damage your braces by loosening a bracket or popping a wire loose. Nevertheless, not all candies are permitted.
Here are some suggestions for sweet treats you may substitute. However, you have to brush and floss your teeth afterwards:
- Soft chocolate
- Jello
- Ice cream
Eating Fast Food While Wearing Braces
There are fast food options that can be consumed with braces. However, remember that you shouldn’t consume any hard foods while receiving treatment. Crunchy meals can harm orthodontic appliances, necessitating an urgent office visit.
You can eat the following soft fast foods:
- Pizza without the crust
- Brownies without nuts
- Chicken nuggets that are sliced into pieces
- Soft tacos with all ingredients (stay away from hard shells!)
Take Your Time When Chewing
By choosing a softer diet, you can chew easily without damaging your braces or causing irritation to your gums. After the first week, you’ll have a wider variety of foods to pick from as you become accustomed to your braces and altered bite.
Use Your Side Teeth to Bite
Furthermore, it may be nearly impossible to use your front teeth to bite anything for some time. So instead, practice biting with your side teeth.
Take Painkillers to Lessen Sensitivity
Patients commonly experience brief soreness for a few days after installing their new braces. If your mouth hurts, we recommend using painkillers to reduce sensitivity
Put the Nuts and Seeds Away
Unfortunately, you will be driven insane by these unless you brush them out of your brackets. Please do not consume them at all, or if you do, brush your teeth.
Cut Food into Pieces
Instead of attempting to pop a complete piece into your mouth, you should chop items in half.
Be Careful While Biting
Do not bite into foods like burritos, apples, or corn on the cob to avoid choking. Instead, a fork and knife should be used to eat these items if possible.
Final Thoughts
Remember that only some things you can eat while wearing braces are included on this list. Just imagine what it would be like to chew the meal for items not included on this page. You can eat food in small portions to lessen the chance of harming your braces if it is easily chewable and not sticky.
Call us at Zara Dental if you live in Houston, Texas and want to begin the journey to straighter teeth and a more attractive smile or have additional inquiries about eating while wearing braces.
