Care During Orthodontic Treatment

Foods to Avoid

In the first few days after getting braces, soft foods help ease discomfort. During your treatment, certain foods should be avoided to prevent damage to your braces. These can break wires, loosen bands, or dislodge brackets. Your orthodontist will provide a detailed list, but here are some common examples:

• Hard Foods – Ice cubes, popcorn kernels, potato chips
• Sticky Foods – Taffy, gum, bagels, jerky, caramel
• Sugary Foods – Candy, jam, jelly, chocolate, breath mints, soda
• On-The-Bone Foods – Chicken wings, barbecue ribs, corn on the cob

Cleaning Around Braces

Braces can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay. It’s important to brush after every meal or snack to remove plaque and debris. Flossing daily is also vital to keep all sides of your teeth clean. Your orthodontist can show you effective home care techniques tailored for braces.

Preventing Damage During Athletics

Playing sports is a common cause of broken or loose braces. Always wear a specially designed mouth guard when playing sports to protect your teeth and appliances. Contact sports like football pose higher risks, but even non-contact sports such as soccer can lead to injuries like lip cuts or broken wires.

Braces won’t work well if bands, brackets, or wires are damaged. If you notice any issues, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist promptly to fix them. Ignoring damage can extend your treatment time.

Commitment to Best Results

Braces require dedication to work as intended. Keep all your adjustment appointments and follow your orthodontist’s advice carefully. Many patients tell us the effort is worth it for a confident, healthy smile!

If you have questions or concerns about your orthodontic care, please reach out to your trusted orthodontist.