Wiesemann Orthodontics is dedicated to helping you and your family change your smile for the better, and we really believe that when you change your smile, you change your life. That being said, it’s no fun when you have braces to deal with bent or broken brackets or wires or to have to dedicate long periods of time to extra cleaning. That’s why it’s good to know which foods to avoid to prevent damage to braces. Let’s learn a little more about how to take care of our orthodontic appliances together!
Parts of Braces – What Are We Wearing?
It’ll do us good to get an idea of what exactly our braces are made up of when it comes to seeing what to eat or not eat. Then, we can talk about some basic care tips before getting more specific on dietary choices.
Breaking Down Braces, Piece by Piece
Braces consist of several key components:
- Brackets: These are the small squares that are bonded directly to the front of each tooth. They hold the archwires that move the teeth.
- Archwire: This is the thin metal wire that connects each bracket and guides the movement of your teeth.
- Bands: These are the rings that are cemented to your teeth, providing anchors for the brackets.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): These are used to apply pressure to the upper and lower teeth to adjust the alignment.
- Spacers: These are separators that fit between your teeth for a few days to make room for orthodontic bands.
Now that you know what goes into your braces, let’s take a look at some basic care tips.
Basic Braces Care Tips
By following these simple braces care tips, your dietary decisions can have the biggest impact when it comes to keeping it simple with braces care:
- Brushing twice a day and after meals: Keeping your braces and teeth clean reduces the risk of staining and damage.
- Flossing daily: Use floss threaders or water flossers designed for braces to clean between and around the wires and brackets.
- Regular check-ups: Routine visits to Wiesemann Orthodontics allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces.
With a solid understanding of what your braces are made of and how to care for them, it’s easier to see why certain foods need to be avoided. Now, let’s explore what those foods are and how you can maintain a braces-friendly diet.
Breakfast, Brunch, Brinner, & Braces
What Makes Certain Foods Risky for Braces?
Some foods can pose risks to your braces due to their texture and consistency. Braces meal tips often start with avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can bend wires, loosen brackets, or get trapped in your braces, leading to potential damage or decay.
Essential Braces Meal Tips
To maintain your braces, it’s crucial to consider what you eat. Not only can some foods damage the braces themselves, but they can also increase your risk of dental problems. At Wiesemann Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of dental care with braces to ensure that every meal contributes positively to your orthodontic health.
Foods to Be Sure & Avoid
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Items like popcorn, nuts, and hard candies are a no-go. These foods can easily dislodge or damage the components of your braces. Protecting braces during meals involves making smart choices that keep your hardware intact.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Chewy candies, gum, and even bagels can stress your braces. Orthodontic care for braces involves avoiding these types of foods to prevent undue pressure on your orthodontic appliances.
Braces-Friendly Diet Tips
The Best Foods for Braces
Soft foods are best. Think yogurt, bananas, pasta, and steamed vegetables. These foods are gentle on braces and reduce the risk of damage. Best foods for braces also include nutrient-rich foods that help maintain enamel strength and overall oral health.
How to Eat With Braces
Cutting your food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly can significantly protect your braces. This method is part of essential orthodontic diet advice that helps minimize the risk of damaging your braces.
Maintaining Your Braces
Routine Care
Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital. After eating, rinsing your mouth can dislodge food particles stuck in your braces. This is an integral part of maintaining braces and ensures that your orthodontic treatment is as effective as possible.
Regular Check-Ups
Another important tip when it comes to taking care of your braces and avoiding damage is to keep your appointments! Dr. Wiesemann and the team love seeing your smiling face, so be sure not to be a stranger.
Give Us A Call!
Now that you’ve got an idea of what to eat and not eat (or to eat less of, or to make sure you clean thoroughly after eating), all that’s left is to make sure you’re getting the best orthodontic care available! Luckily, Wiesemann Orthodontics is the place to be for braces, Invisalign, and more in Whitehouse, Bowling Green, Portland, or Russellville. Not only that but if you’re just getting started, your consultation is always free!