It is possible to enjoy a healthy and varied diet during your orthodontic treatment.
If you have been referred for orthodontic treatment and you have decided to have braces fitted, you may be wondering what to expect from the experience. Fortunately, modern braces are much more comfortable and less bulky than they used to be and can go a long way in improving your overall oral health in the long-term. It is important to note, however, that there are a few lifestyle changes you will need to make when wearing braces, and one of the most important considerations is your diet.
Read on to find out what you can eat while you have braces, and which foods are best avoided…
Foods to avoid when you first get braces
When you first have your braces fitted, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Fortunately, these side effects are usually mild and temporary, but you may find it helpful to stick to soft foods for at least a few days after your fitment appointment.
Some of the best foods to eat after you have just had braces fitted include yoghurt, oatmeal, smoothies, soups, and soft-cooked vegetables.
Certain foods can lead to tooth sensitivity and are best avoided for a few days — these include spicy and citrus foods, thick and tough meats, and thick breads. Once you have adjusted to the feeling of your new braces, you should be able to incorporate these foods back into your diet.
Foods to avoid during orthodontic treatment
Although braces are made from strong and durable materials, they can be damaged if you eat particularly hard and sticky foods. For this reason, there are several foods that you should stay away from for the duration of your orthodontic treatment.
Some of the foods that you should avoid include popcorn; whole nuts; chewing gum; hard and chewy candy; particularly hard bread rolls, and bagels; crackers; chips; pizza crusts; and ice cubes.
It is also a good idea to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks throughout your orthodontic treatment. Every time that you eat sugar, plaque forms in the mouth and it can be particularly difficult to remove plaque from the teeth and gumline when you have braces. When plaque is left to build up, it can lead to oral health issues, such as tooth decay and cavities, as well as discolouration on the surface of the teeth.
If you do enjoy the occasional treat, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Also, make sure that you commit to a stringent oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
How can we help?
At Berwick Orthodontic Specialists, we offer a number of braces, including metal, ceramic and gold braces. If you are considering braces, we encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation so that we can examine your teeth and jaws and guide you through the treatment that suits you best.
At our practice in Melbourne, we use state-of-the-art modern technologies to ensure that we provide top-quality care to each of our patients. We also take the time to personalise each treatment plan — this ensures that treatments can be performed as effectively as possible.
If you would like to find out more about the braces that are available at Berwick Orthodontic Specialists, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9212 0217.
The team at Berwick Orthodontic Specialists also offers a range of other orthodontic solutions, so if you are looking for an alternative to braces, we can help. Our services include children’s orthodontics; clear aligners; lingual braces; orthodontic appliances; and surgical orthodontic treatment. To find out more about the treatments that we offer, please consult our website here.