Traditional Braces
Orthodontist in Rancho Cucamonga
Traditional metal braces use small brackets that are affixed to your or your child’s teeth to hold thin wires in place. These wires are minutely adjusted over time to gently guide teeth into the proper placement and alignment within you or your child’s mouth. Although braces don’t hurt, in the first couple days after getting braces you or your child may feel a slight discomfort as the teeth and mouth begin adjusting to you or your child’s new braces.
Braces Care
When you or your child have braces, it is important to brush your teeth around four (4) to five (5) times a day. This means brushing after every meal if possible, to prevent food from getting stuck.
What you or your child’s eat and do not eat will directly affect the condition of you or your child’s teeth during orthodontic treatment. Here are some tips on what kinds of foods you or your child should avoid and how to carefully enjoy some of your favorites.
Hard Foods
At times, it is difficult to break and chew certain foods. Eating hard foods can be harmful during orthodontic treatment because they can bend or break wires and even displace brackets. Avoid them entirely after you or your child have had your wires changed, since teeth are the most tender at this stage.
Tips for eating hard foods:
Fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet. If you or your child want to eat apples, pears and peaches, do not directly bite into them. Instead, cut them into small pieces before consuming.
If you or your child enjoy eating almonds, cashews or peanuts, consider grinding them and adding it to cereals and yogurt.
While eating chicken wings or ribs, remove the bones before consuming your meal. This prevents you or your child from accidentally chewing on a bone and dislocating a bracket.
While eating corn, remove the kernels from the cob to help prevent damage to the braces.
Avoid chewing on ice. You or your child can suck on ice cubes but never bite them.
Sticky and Sweet Foods
Sticky foods can get stuck to teeth and braces, and can even result in the braces getting pulled off. Sweet, sugary foods are high in sugar and their consumption can lead to tooth decay.
Tips for eating sticky and sweet foods:
- If you or your child enjoy eating candy, try sucking on them instead of chewing them. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water to avoid sugar buildup on you or your child’s teeth.
- Avoid chewing on gum. Gum can stick to braces and may be difficult to clean. It can also loosen the wires and brackets.
