Life with Braces

So, you are sporting brand new braces. The next step is understanding how to take care of them. Here are the key things you need to know.

For most patients, the hardest part of wearing braces is changing the way they eat. Certain foods can damage braces, which means they are off limits until treatment is complete. So, what should you steer clear of?

Foods your should avoid with braces:

If you are a new patient getting started, please take a minute to print and fill out the patient information form before your first appointment:

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

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

So, you are sporting brand new braces. The next step is understanding how to take care of them. Here are the key things you need to know.

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinksBreads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nutsGrains — pasta, soft cooked riceMeats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meatsSeafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakesVegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beansFruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juiceTreats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
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

Loose Teeth

Something people don’t really talk about with braces treatment is how the teeth must become loose to move them. It is logical once you think about it; how else can the teeth be moved to new locations? Still, feeling them wiggle can be worrying. Just know that they won’t fall out and they will stop wiggling once they firm up in their new location.

Caring for Your Appliances

Damaged appliances do not function correctly. When you hurt your appliance, you automatically extend your time in treatment. Follow all directions given by the doctor and call us if you notice anything wrong. We want you to get the best results from your braces.

Playing Sports With Braces

If you are an athlete, we gave great news. You can keep playing sports while in treatment. All you need is a special mouthguard that protects both the teeth and your appliance. Let us know if you play sports and we will make this for you.