The days leading up to finally getting braces can be full of excitement, anticipation, and maybe a little anxiety too. The first day in braces means you, or your child is on their way to a straighter, healthier grin. Before the wires and the brackets are placed, celebrate this milestone with a pre-braces party filled with all of the “don’ts” you’ll have to eliminate once the braces are on.
Eating From The “No” List
Simply said, there are some foods and drinks that don’t mesh well with someone wearing braces. Once your brackets and wires are placed, there are certain precautions that must be taken on what foods and drinks to avoid to ensure your braces are working at their fullest potential without becoming damaged.
Some of the foods you will have to avoid with braces are:
- Foods that are high in sugar. Consuming certain foods that are sugary like cakes, candies, and even foods with hidden sugars will rapidly cause your teeth to change color and can cause damage around the places where it’s even harder to clean with the addition of brackets and wires.
- Sugary Beverages. Sodas, soft drinks, and juices are all high in sugar and acid which can cause cavities to easily form and begin the decalcification process.
- Sticky Foods. Taffys, caramel, starbursts, and gummies should be completely avoided once your braces are on because these types of sticky sweets can damage braces and easily get caught in the brackets causing tooth decay.
- Hard Foods and Candies. Chewing on any hard foods and candies is one of the quickest ways to damage braces. Eating things like hard chips, nuts, ice and jolly ranchers can leave you running right back to the orthodontist for emergency visits.
- Foods that require biting into. Once the braces are on, you can say goodbye to biting directly into an ear of corn on the cob, carrot sticks, apples, or any other forms of foods that use your teeth as cutting tools.
What to Eat in Your First Week with Braces
The first few days of adjusting to new braces can be a time of tenderness and frustration as your mouth adjusts. Experiencing soreness and difficulty in eating normal foods can be a bit of a challenge and an adjustment period for the whole family. The best way to come out on top is to be prepared with plenty of delicious, nutritious foods appropriate for new orthodontic patients.
Our favorite best foods for new braces patients are:
- Yogurt
- Pancakes
- Fresh Fruit
- Scrambled Eggs
- Soft-cooked Noodles and Sauce
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Mashed Potatoes
- Fish
- Steamed Vegetables
What Else You Should Know, Pre-Orthodontic Treatment
Following a few simple steps can really help in making everyone feel comfortable while the application of the braces takes place. It may be a good idea for you or your child to take a mild pain reliever such as aspirin before their appointment to help relieve the discomfort and tenderness they will be feeling once the braces are in place.
What To Expect During Application
Once the day of your appointment has arrived, there are only a few steps left to do once you’re sitting in the chair ready for application.
- The teeth will be cleaned and dried for application
- A bonding glue will be applied to the surface of the teeth for the brackets to be attached to
- Each tooth will have a bracket attached to it
- Two archwires will be put in place through each bracket – one wire for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth
- Adding some fun colored elastic bands to the brackets gives you something to look forward to changing at each of your follow up appointments
One Step Closer to a Straighter Smile
We’re confident that you will find the process of braces not only worth it, but you will take comfort in knowing that the entire treatment process is only temporary. Once the braces are off, you will be left with a stunning straight smile. If you’re a little nervous about your upcoming braces appointment, speak with Dr. Thomas prior to your appointment so we can help in answering any lingering questions and give everyone some piece of mind.
