Eating Smart With Braces
The bad news is, as you may very well know from personal experience, snacking on your favorite treats such as popcorn and potato chips will probably be slow to rebound. Until then it is best to pay attention to what you might consume, so that your braces remain safe. Be sure to keep it clean! Stay away from hard foods, sticky foods, and chewy foods that can break or dislodge brackets and damage wires, which will prolong your orthodontic treatment.
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Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
To keep your braces in good condition and your treatment on track, it’s best to steer clear of:
Chewy foods such as bagels and licorice
Crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, and ice
Sticky foods including caramel and chewing gum
Hard foods such as nuts and hard candies
Bite into foods like corn on the cob, whole apples, and raw carrots
Foods You Can Eat with Braces
Dairy soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Breads soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
Grains pasta, soft cooked rice
Meats and poultry soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
Seafood tuna, salmon, crab cakes
Vegetables mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
Fruits applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
Treats ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
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Braces and Appliance Pain
When you first get braces, it is normal to experience a little tenderness or soreness in your teeth and mouth. DINNOT FRETIT IS HAVE OBSERVED THAT AFTER A FEW DAYS THIS IRRITATING SENSATION WHICH YOU ARE ENDURING WILL DIMINISH AND DISAPPEAR ALMOST COMPLETELY. To soothe the ache, dissolve a tablespoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water, then swish and rinse for around two minutes (do not swallow).
You may also use an over-the-counter pain reliever if the soreness continues to bother you. The first few weeks you may also have cheek sores as your mouth gets used to the braces. One simple solution is to apply orthodontic wax over the brackets, which can help reduce irritation; we are always happy to supply you with more wax if and when you need it.
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Loose Teeth During Braces
Visit Best Smiles in Richmond, VA for a hassle-free experience with dental insurance. Our expert team will assist you in comprehending your coverage, submitting claims, and maximizing your benefits. We collaborate with top providers like Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and others. Reach out to us now to discover how we can optimize your plan!
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Dealing with Loose Wires and Bands
Loose wires or bands on your braces If this ever happens, however, please do not hesitate to call our office so we can take a look and repair your braces. Any part of the device which falls off from it keep that safe and bring out with yourself when you go for your meet.
In lieu of a permanent solution, you can use the eraser side of a pencil or the backside of spoon to gently put a loose wire in place. If the wire causing discomfort to your lips or cheeks, can be covered with orthodontic beeswax or a wet cotton ball for comfort until you are seen.
Maintaining Your Dental Appliances
Maintenance of dental appliances plays a key role for their efficient and timely treatment. Damaged or misuse devices can set you back quite a bit. Remember it's the consistent wearing and handling of your rubber bands, headgear, retainers or other prescribed appliances that help position teeth and jaws correctly.
Playing Sports With Braces Safely
The good news is that sports can go on as usual while wearing braces! Wear a properly-fitted mouthguard to help protect your braces and teeth. It is best to get some tips from your orthodontist on which sort of mouth guard would give you utmost protection.
When involved in sports and an injury occurs, always check the teeth and braces immediately. Call your orthodontic office immediately for any loose teeth or damaged appliances. In the meantime, you can relieve any discomforts by applying some orthodontic wax or rinsing with warm salt water.
