Braces effectively straighten teeth that are misaligned and cause oral health problems and appearance issues. Without a doubt, you have seen patients wearing braces and know that although braces are helpful, they need proper care. With this in mind, one of the things that brace wearers need to be conscious of is the food that they eat. In this blog, our orthodontist will tell you about five foods to avoid with braces in Palo Alto.
What are Braces Made Of?
Braces are made of brackets and wires. At times, you also need to wear elastic bands to support the movement of the teeth. Brackets can be made of various materials such as metal, ceramic, silver, or gold. Two of the most common are metal and ceramic, which are both effective in straightening teeth.
Brace brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth using a special bonding agent. The brackets are then connected by a thin wire, which helps to move the teeth into alignment. Your dentist regularly adjusts the brackets and wires to ensure proper movement of the teeth.
The Problem with Eating Certain Foods
Although braces are effective in helping you achieve a beautiful smile, certain foods can cause the brackets to come off or loosen. When the brackets loosen, it increases the length of time for treatment. It also increases the risk of infection and other complications.
Therefore, it is important to know which foods you should avoid when wearing braces. There is no need to worry as you can go back to enjoying all of your favorite foods when your treatment time is over. Taking care of your teeth and braces while wearing them is essential to achieving successful treatment.
Top 5 Foods to Avoid with Braces
1. Chewy and Sticky Foods
Chewy and sticky foods such as gum, taffy, caramels, gummy bears, and licorice should be avoided at all costs. As you can imagine, these foods can easily get stuck between your brackets and wires, which can cause them to loosen or come off. If they are sugary, they can also attract bacteria and cause plaque buildup.
Some of the other chewy and sticky foods include:
- dried fruits
- stringy cheese
- jerky
- cookie dough
- fruits rolls
2. Hard Foods
Hard foods such as nuts, popcorn, chips, and hard candy should also be avoided when wearing braces. These foods can break the brackets and wires, which will require costly repairs and prolong your treatment time.
Some of the other hard foods to avoid include:
- tortilla chips
- hard pretzels
- jawbreakers
- ice cubes
- unpopped popcorn kernels
3. Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods like apples, celery, and carrots should also be avoided when wearing braces. This is because the hard texture of these foods can cause the wires or brackets to come off. Some other crunchy foods that should be avoided include:
- celery sticks
- corn on the cob
- whole nuts
- hard taco shells
- hard pretzels
4. Sugary Foods & Drinks
Foods that are high in sugar such as cakes, cookies, pies, and candy leave behind a sticky residue on your teeth and braces. When not removed, it can increase the risk of tooth decay and plaque buildup. You can avoid sticky foods to prevent this or make sure to brush and floss thoroughly if you do have them.
5. Acidic Foods
Acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, and tomatoes should also be avoided when wearing braces. The acid in these foods can weaken the brackets and wires, which can cause them to come off prematurely. Soda and energy drinks are also acidic and should be avoided.
What You Can Eat Instead
Wearing braces doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious meals. You just need to make sure that you are avoiding the foods listed above and choosing softer alternatives instead. Some good choices include:
- yogurt
- smoothies
- mashed potatoes
- avocado
- fish
- peanut butter and jelly
- soft fruits such as kiwi and banana
- cooked vegetables
- pasta dishes
- tender meats
- cheese and crackers
- soft bread
- soup
- rice
- baked goods
- and many more!
Start Your Braces Journey with Palo Alto Orthodontics
Dr. Jenny Yoo of Palo Alto Orthodontics in California is dedicated to helping you achieve a perfect smile. With years of experience and advanced technology, her personalized approach will ensure that your braces journey is comfortable and successful. She will provide you with a set of instructions on taking care of your braces and will answer any questions that you may have.
Palo Alto Orthodontics offers metal, ceramic, and self-ligating braces as well as Invisalign for kids, teens, and adults. With the proper care and guidance, we can use braces to help you achieve a beautiful smile in no time. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about our orthodontic treatments. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online.