DON’T WORRY
Life With Braces Is Easier Than You Think
A beautiful, healthy smile can enhance your quality of life no matter your age. In fact, we have patients as young as 5 and as old as 85! As your teeth, jaws, and lips become properly aligned with braces, you’ll find your self-esteem increase as you become more confident in your smile. In post-treatment photographs, we notice our patients with braces sit up straighter, are eager to smile and are more confident in their overall appearance.
Alleviating and preventing oral health problems is another important reason to get braces. Without orthodontic treatment, an individual may be more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, uneven and excessive tooth wear, bone destruction, chewing difficulties, jaw joint issues, speech impairments, airway issues, and dental injuries. Come see us for a FREE INITIAL EXAM!
FOOD & BRACES
Some Do’s and Dont’s
Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, taffy
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods you have to bite into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
FOODS YOU CAN EAT WITH BRACES
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- 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, sliced fruit, most berries (but watch out for seeds)
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, cake
HELPFUL TIPS
- We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head. Electric and sonic toothbrushes are also acceptable.
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
- Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- We recommend that you have a check up with your dentist every 6 months.