Braces 101, the foundation course for life with braces
Eating with braces
Now is the time for sensible eating habits. This is only for a short time and is worth the effort when you think of the end result. It won’t be long before you can go back to eating without the worry that something is going to get stuck in your braces or potentially damage them. While you have braces it would be sensible to take extra care when eating and avoid any foods that could end up damaging your braces.The list of foods that you are to avoid while you have braces is thankfully smaller than the list of food that you can still enjoy without worrying.
Avoid the following
- Foods that are specially chewy, like soft bread and licorice
- Hard and crunchy foods, like chips or popcorn
- Sticky and sugary foods, like chewing gum and most candy
- Hard foods, like varieties of nuts and candy
- Food that requires biting into, such as apples or raw carrots and corn on the cob
Food that is fine:
- Dairy products, like soft cheese and milk-based drinks
- Bread, including muffins, pancakes and soft tortillas– (without nuts)
- Grains, such as pasta and rice
- Most Seafood, like salmon, snapper and crab cakes
- Soft Vegetables, like mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, and beans.
- Fruits, like bananas, and fruit juice
- Treats, like jelly and ice cream (within moderation as high sugar content is to be avoided)
Early soreness
In the beginning you will constantly be reminded that you have braces, you will notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender and sore, but this doesn’t last too long and is perfectly normal. The tender pain will go away before you know it. Often your orthodontist will provide you with a special wax that you can put over your braces that will reduce the tenderness and rubbing against your cheeks, lips and tongue.This irritation could last for up to two weeks while your mouth gets used to having braces and the wax can help with this.
Loose teeth worries
Your teeth may feel like they have become a little looser since you have had braces put in.
This is not your imagination, they will be loosened slightly by the braces in the beginning to move them into a more aligned and straight position This is all perfectly normal and is not a worry. Once your teeth have been moved to a more desirable position they will not move anymore.
Loose wires and bands
The wires and bands on your braces could possibly become loose. As soon as you notice that, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible because they might need to check and repair your braces. If for some reason your orthodontic appliance comes off, keep it in a safe place before taking it to your orthodontist. If you are having problems with a loose wires,
if the loose wire is the cause of irritation, try putting some wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken end of the wire and this can provide some instant pain relief.
Avoiding damage to your appliance
Any damage to your orthodontic appliance has the potential to increase the total length of t for your treatment time.It makes sense to look after all of your appliances. Remember your teeth and jaw will only be able to move into more aligned and correct positioning with the consistent use of all orthodontic appliances prescribed for your treatment, this includes headgear, retainers or rubber bands.
Carrying on with your sports activities
It might take some time to adjust to having braces – such as what food you can eat and which foods you should avoid – there is some good news for athletic patients, you should still be able to participate in your normal sports activities while you are getting orthodontic treatment. It would be sensible to wear a mouthguard to help protect your teeth and your orthodontic appliance. Ask for advice from your orthodontist on what their suggestion is as to you participating in your athletic sports so you get the best protection for your braces. If you suffer any damage to your braces during your sporting activities, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to organise an appointment. Most orthodontists have set aside time everyday for patients to come in for unexpected breakages.