There are a few foods that are best avoided during orthodontic treatment with braces.

If you have chosen to get braces, you’re on the path to straighter, healthier teeth. In fact, braces are among the most popular orthodontic treatments thanks to their ability to resolve a broad range of bite-related, alignment, and cosmetic issues. It is important to note, however, that you will need to adjust your diet during your treatment as certain foods can cause damage to your braces. Read on to find out which foods you shouldn’t eat whilst wearing braces, and how to maintain your oral health while you straighten your smile…

Which foods should you avoid with braces?

When you first have your braces fitted, there are a few foods that can cause irritation and sensitivity. These include thick cuts of bread and meat, as well as spicy and citrus foods. It is best to avoid these for the first week or so of treatment. As your teeth adjust to your new braces, you should be able to incorporate these foods back into your diet.

Although braces are made from strong and durable materials, there are certain foods that can cause damage. These foods should be avoided throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment. Foods to avoid completely include popcorn; whole nuts; chewing gum; sticky and hard candy; pizza crusts; hard breads like rolls and bagels; crunchy fruits and vegetables; hard crackers; and chips.

It is also advisable to limit your intake of foods and drinks that contain sugar as these can contribute to the build-up of plaque. Plaque is often difficult to remove when you have braces, and if left to accumulate, can increase your risk of tooth decay.

How do you deal with damages?

If you eat sticky or crunchy foods, it is possible that the wires and bands on your braces will break or loosen. If you notice an issue such as a broken wire, it is important that you see your orthodontist as soon as possible. The sooner the issue is identified, the better the chance of a simple and effective repair.

If you have a broken or loose component on your braces, never pull or bend it yourself. Rather place some orthodontic wax over any sharp edges to prevent injury to the soft tissues in your mouth and arrange an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible.

How do you maintain your oral health?

As well as being mindful of your dietary choices, one of the best ways to prevent damage to your braces is to practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis. This includes brushing your teeth three times a day (ideally after you have eaten) and flossing every day in order to remove leftover food particles from between your teeth and braces.

It’s also important that you see your orthodontist for regular check-ups. This will ensure that your braces fit comfortably throughout your treatment and that your teeth remain in good condition.

How can we help?

At iSmile Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic solutions for both adults and children. Braces remain a popular and effective choice for those who would like to straighten their teeth and resolve bite-related issues.

We offer both traditional metal braces and ceramic braces. If you are considering either of these treatments, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can discuss your particular needs and concerns. Traditional metal braces are our most popular style of braces — these are made from high-grade stainless steel and are constantly being refined and improved for optimal comfort and results.

Our ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional metal braces but are far less visible. For this reason, they are a popular option for adults and teens who would like discreet treatment.

If you would like to find out more about the braces that are available at iSmile Orthodontics, please have a look here. No matter which treatment you choose, our team is available to guide you through the process and address any questions that you have along the way.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please give us a call on 03 9466 8484 or get in touch with us here.