Eating with Braces

To straighten their teeth and enhance their general oral health, many individuals decide to get braces. Although the ultimate result is desirable, living with braces may present some challenges along the way. Eating is one of them. Find out which foods are off-limits and challenging to consume while wearing braces.

How Do You Eat While Wearing Braces?

Take off your detachable aligners before and after meals if you wear them. Before placing your aligners back in your mouth, be sure to brush your teeth. You can eat whatever you want when you have removable aligners. Your aligners are not in your mouth to be harmed by food.

You could lose your brackets if you consume certain foods. Your braces will need maintenance from your orthodontist, which might increase your out-of-pocket expenses and lengthen the period you need to wear braces. Sugary meals may also contribute to tooth damage and discoloration around your braces. Modern orthodontic treatment is far more pleasant than it used to be, and getting braces is an investment in a beautiful and healthy future.

You may feel some sensitivity just after your braces are placed on or tightened for the first time. It is natural to anticipate some pain since your treatment involves modifying the alignment of your teeth and maybe even the contour of your mouth..

The most difficult part of wearing braces for most individuals is getting used to new eating habits. Here are some pointers to keep you at ease when properly caring for your brackets.

Eating Properly While Wearing Braces

If you’re accustomed to eating rapidly and in large chunks, your braces may cause you a little more difficulty. Even soft meals like sandwiches and wraps may be uncomfortable to bite into. Additionally, you risk one of your brackets coming off. Slice your meals into little pieces and chew with your back teeth rather than taking large mouthfuls. It won’t hurt as much, and your braces will benefit.

You may be tempted to go back to your favorite crunchier foods, including carrots, chips, and apples, after some of the stiffness subsides. You may carefully consume them, but instead of biting into them, cut or break them into little pieces, and chew only one at a time with your back teeth. If you move too quickly, you risk damaging your braces.

Safe Foods to Eat While Wearing Braces

Most foods are still edible while wearing braces. Your youngster has to brush their teeth thoroughly after eating since food may get trapped in their braces rather quickly. What may be consumed while wearing braces?

• Pre-cut loaves of bread, tacos that are soft, and tortillas are all secure choices.
• Dairy products like soft cheese, yogurt, and dips are safe to consume while wearing braces.
• All types of cooked grains including rice and pasta are soft and safe for braces.
• Cakes and muffins, including biscuits and pancakes.
• Leave the crackling off the plate while eating soft meats and chicken, but you may still enjoy roast, deli, and grilled meats that aren’t too chewy.
• Cooked veggies – There is no reason why you shouldn’t eat brussel sprouts as the majority of soft, cooked vegetables eaten with a fork are okay.
• Seafood is safe for braces as long as there are no bones or shells present. Options include fish, crab, salmon, oysters, and mussels.
• Bananas, kiwis, pineapples, strawberries, and fruits with their pits removed (like peaches) to prevent accidental bites are examples of soft fruits.
• Ice cream, mochies, smoothies, and milkshakes are all acceptable sweet foods. Keep them as special treats since you should be mindful of the damage that excessive sugar consumption may bring to your teeth and general health.

Call us at 407-876-2991 for a free consultation or click here to request an appointment. We have 2 offices to care for our patients. Our Orlando office is in Lake Nona where we also serve St Cloud residents. We are located at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832. Our Windermere office, where we also serve Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Metro West and Ocoee, is located at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786