What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods.
Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. You'll need to protect your orthodontic
appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.
Avoid:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, candy
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage
the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer. |
 |
|
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting
pressures for three to five days. Rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash can relieve this. Dissolve
one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe,
take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may also
become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces.
You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. |
To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth
and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands,
headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.
More information about care of orthodontic appliances, including retainers and headgear, can be found under
Patient Instructions. |
 |
It's more important than ever to brush and floss
regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are
healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits
to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is
advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the
appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment.
In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness. |
|
|
