The structures of braces and other orthodontic appliances have gotten much sturdier in the past 20 years. The materials used to make them allow for greater freedom regarding the kinds of food the wearers eat. But it's still important to be mindful of foods that are and are not in your and your braces' best interests.
At the office of Woodhaven Braces, we strongly encourage our patients to always be aware of the impacts that their culinary choices could have on the structure of their orthodontic equipment.
These suggestions will help preserve the appliances' integrity, and allow for less discomfort, fewer maintenance visits and shortened overall treatment time.
Steer towards:
- Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks, yogurt
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins
- Grains: pasta, delicate cooked rice
- Meats/poultry: soft chicken, eggs, meatballs
- Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, spinach, beans, applesauce
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, cut-up fruit, smoothies
- Treats: nut-free ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, lollipops
Steer clear of:
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, tough steak
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, potato chips,
- Sticky foods: caramels, chewing gum,
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into with your front teeth: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Overall, pick foods that are soft in texture, especially right after your braces have been tightened. Make sure, however, that you are eating foods that contain the recommended daily doses of protein, fiber, calcium and iron. Ask your orthodontist if taking supplemental vitamins would be a good idea.
At the office of Woodhaven Braces, we employ a variety of state-of-the-art techniques and appliances that are at the forefront of orthodontic care and enable your treatment to be more effective. Please don't hesitate to call us today to make an appointment.
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