When you or your child gets braces, you need to make some changes to your eating habits. You may need to avoid certain foods altogether. There are many more that you can eat, but you need to be a little more cautious. But why do you need to make dietary changes when you get braces? It's a question that most people getting orthodontic treatment often ask.
Today, we share four reasons why we recommend dietary changes with braces.
To Protect Your Braces from Damage
The primary reason for changing your eating habits during your orthodontic treatment is to protect your braces from damage. Certain foods that may be too hard or stick can break the archwire. Even more, they can dislodge a bracket from your tooth.
Once this happens, the braces are technically ineffective until an orthodontist repairs them. With dietary changes, you can reduce the risk of damage to your braces.
To Minimize the Post-Treatment Discomfort
Once you get the orthodontic treatment, your teeth will feel sore for a couple of days. It is because your braces are adjusting in your oral cavity. With your teeth getting used to the new setting, it's best that you avoid hard and sticky foods and mainly consume a soft diet.
Foods that are easier to bite and require little chewing are the safest options. Some great food choices include yogurt, smoothies, and soups (at room temperature). Within a few days, as your teeth begin to feel better, you can return to your usual braces-friendly) diet.
To Reduce the Risk of Teeth Stains
When you eat and drink food that contains a high amount of sugar, it may lead to teeth stains. It's an even more significant concern when you have braces because most people do not brush right after consuming a high-sugar meal or drink. As a result, teeth stains are the only outcome.
Therefore, when you get braces, it is best to avoid foods or drinks that contain high sugar content as it can significantly increase the risk of teeth staining.
To Modify Your Chewing Technique
Lastly, another critical reason why you need dietary changes with braces is to modify your chewing technique. We are all accustomed to biting into hard foods with the front teeth. That can damage your braces. With a slight modification in your diet, you will gradually get into the habit of cutting food into smaller pieces and then chew it, so your teeth and braces remain safe.
If you have queries and concerns about what dietary changes you need with your braces, and at Star Orthodontics may get you the right answers. Call us now at 361-371-8555 to schedule an appointment and find answers to all your questions. "
About Star Orthodontics | Braces Corpus Christi, TX At Star Orthodontics, we are committed to providing our patients with Star Treatment and Star Results! Our office is conveniently located in Corpus Christi, TX! Star Orthodontics - Dr. Roxanne Robertson, 4750 S. Padre Island Dr. Suite 101, Corpus Christi, Tx 78411 - 361-371-8555 - starbraces.com - 6/1/2023 - Page Terms:orthodontist Corpus Christi -