We understand that getting braces can be stressful, and you probably have some questions regarding your treatment. But don’t worry - we’re here to help! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding life with braces.
Eating with Braces
What can I eat? It's a question we get all the time. The answer is: more than you think! There are many braces-friendly foods out there that are good and good for you. However, you will need to take special care to avoid foods that could damage your new appliances. In short, you will want to stay away from anything hard, sticky or chewy.
Which foods should I avoid?
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Which foods are OK to eat?
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Is it normal to experience soreness from my braces or appliances?
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever - what you might typically take for a headache. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We will give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need more wax, please let us know.
My teeth feel loose. Is this normal?
If your teeth begin feeling a little mobile, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will tighten up.
What happens if the wires and bands on my braces come loose?
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can assess the situation and see when you need to come in. We can often talk you through common fixes to get you comfortable in the meantime. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
Why is it so important to take care of my appliances?
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. 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 doctor.
Can I still play sports with braces?
Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.