When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, your diet play a critical role in how smooth and successful your journey will be. The smart food selections can prevent damage to your orthodontic devices, minimize soreness, and keep your treatment on track.
First, skip foods likely to bend wires or dislodge brackets. This includes rock candy, peanuts, crushed ice, popcorn bits, and crisp carrots. These can break brackets or twist metal components, which may require additional appointments and require extra visits to the orthodontist. Instead, opt for softer versions of your favorite foods. For example, cook carrots until they are tender or choose sliced apples rather than taking a big bite.
Sticky and chewy foods are another type to eliminate. toffee, taffy, chewing gum, 表参道 歯列矯正 and sour belts can lodging in hard-to-clean areas and are nearly impossible to clean. They can detach aligner attachments or hold onto debris that lead to bacterial growth. If you have a sugar craving, opt for smooth treats like ice cream, pudding cups, or chocolate mousse that won’t cling to your appliance.
Cutting your food into smaller pieces can make eating easier and safer. For proteins, select ground or shredded varieties or cook them until they are easy to chew. buns should be cut into small pieces. Sandwiches can be cut into manageable bites instead of chewing with front teeth. When eating corn on the cob, cut the kernels off the cob rather than gnawing on the cob.
It is also crucial to drink plenty of fluids and eliminate high-sugar liquids. pop, sports drinks, and sweetened teas can increase your risk of cavities, especially since aligners trap plaque around the gums. Choose plain water, low-fat dairy, or herbal infusions. If you do drink something sugary, rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush within 30 minutes.
With clear aligners, you have greater freedom. You can take them out before meals, so you don’t need to change your diet as much. However, never eat while wearing them and sanitize your mouth and aligners before reinserting them. Never eat or drink anything besides water while wearing aligners, as this can stain them or lead to odor and decay.
Finally, notice changes after new aligners are inserted. It is common to experience temporary tenderness for 2–4 days after having wires adjusted. During this time, consume soothing options like apple sauce, tofu, risotto, and blended fruit bowls. These are gentle on your teeth and gums and help you stay nourished without discomfort.
Following these dietary tips will help you avoid unnecessary repairs, keep your teeth clean, and stay on schedule with your plan. Remember, the changes you make now are transitional but will lead to a beautiful, aligned teeth for years to come.
