While braces are an effective way to straighten teeth, they require some extra care and attention to ensure that the treatment progresses smoothly. One of the most important aspects of caring for braces is watching what you eat.
Certain foods can damage your braces or prolong treatment time, while others can help you maintain good oral health. So, before thinking about “how much do clear braces cost”, educate yourself on what foods are safe to eat and what to avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Today, we will take a look at what foods to eat and avoid with braces, drinks to consume and some helpful tips for maintaining a healthy diet during orthodontic treatment.
Foods You Can Eat with Braces
While you may need to adjust your eating habits slightly during orthodontic treatment, there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious foods you can enjoy with braces. Here are some of the best foods to eat with braces:
- Soft fruits such as bananas, kiwis, and melons
- Cooked vegetables such as carrots, peas, and broccoli
- Soft grains such as rice, pasta, and quinoa
- Dairy products such as yoghurt, milk, and cheese
- Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu
- Soft breads such as tortillas, pita bread, and naan
Are Chocolate and Sweets Allowed?
While it is important to limit your consumption of sugary foods, there is no need to give up chocolate and sweets entirely with braces. However, you should avoid hard and sticky candies that can damage your braces or get stuck in them. Instead, opt for soft chocolates or sweets that dissolve easily in your mouth.
Foods That Are A Big NO with Braces
Certain foods can damage your braces or prolong treatment time. So, it is important to avoid them as much as possible. Here are some of the foods to avoid with braces:
- Hard and crunchy foods such as nuts, popcorn, and chips
- Chewy foods such as caramel, gummies, and liquorice
- Sticky foods such as taffy, gum, and fruit snacks
- Tough meats such as steak and beef jerky
- Corn on the cob and other foods you need to bite into
- Hard fruits such as apples and pears
Drinks to Avoid with Braces
Apart from watching what you eat, and thinking about “how much are clear braces”, you should also be mindful of what you drink with braces. Here are some drinks to avoid:
- Carbonated and sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks
- Citrus juices and drinks such as lemonade and orange juice
- Hot drinks such as coffee and tea, which can stain your braces
- Alcohol, which can damage your braces and increase the risk of injury
How Long After Can You Consume Normal Foods?
After getting braces, you may be wondering when you can start eating your favourite foods again. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of braces you have and how well you take care of them.
Expected results and time duration with Invisalign
Typically, it can take a few days to a week to adjust to the feeling of braces in your mouth. During this time, it is recommended that you stick to soft foods. Avoid anything that is too hard, chewy, or crunchy. This will help you avoid damaging your braces or causing any unnecessary discomfort.
If you have traditional metal braces, it may take longer to adjust to eating with them than if you have clear aligners. This is because metal braces have brackets and wires that can feel bulky and take up more space in your mouth.
Once you have adjusted to the feeling of your braces, you can start incorporating more solid foods into your diet.
In general, it is best to avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in them, such as:
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Popcorn
- Chewing gum
- Ice
- Raw vegetables
- Tough meats
- Corn on the cob
Instead, opt for softer, easier-to-chew foods like:
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft fruits
- Pasta
- Rice
- Bread
- Dairy products like yoghurt and cheese
- Soft meats like chicken and fish
Final Words
Knowing what foods to eat and avoid with braces is crucial for a successful orthodontic treatment. After getting braces, it is important to take some time to adjust to the feeling of them in your mouth and stick to soft foods initially.
As you become more comfortable, you can gradually incorporate more solid foods into your diet. However, be mindful of what you eat and drink to avoid damaging your braces or causing tooth decay. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your braces stay in good condition.
If you have any questions or concerns about your diet, do not hesitate to ask your orthodontist at Chatfield Dental Braces for guidance.