Eating Smart With Braces
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Chewy foods like bagels and licorice
Crunchy foods such as popcorn, chips, and ice
Sticky foods including caramel and chewing gum
Hard foods like nuts and hard candies
Foods you bite into such as 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
Braces and Appliance Pain
It’s completely normal to feel some tenderness or soreness in your teeth and mouth when you first get braces. Don’t worry—this discomfort usually fades within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance.
To help relieve the soreness, try rinsing with a saltwater solution: dissolve one tablespoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water, then swish it around your mouth for about two minutes (just be sure not to swallow it).
If the discomfort persists, over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful. During the first few weeks, you might also develop small sores on your cheeks as they adjust to the braces. A simple fix is to apply orthodontic wax over the brackets to reduce irritation—we’re always happy to provide more wax if you need it!
Loose Teeth During Braces
Feeling like your teeth are loose while wearing braces can be unsettling, but it’s actually a normal part of the process. Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into new positions, which temporarily loosens them. This sensation usually fades as your teeth settle into their new alignment.
However, if a tooth feels very loose or painful, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist. It’s always better to check and make sure everything is progressing as it should.
Dealing With Loose Wires and Bands
If a wire or band on your braces becomes loose, don’t worry—but do call our office as soon as possible so we can examine and repair the issue. If any part of your braces comes off, keep it safe and bring it with you to your appointment.
In the meantime, you can try to gently push a loose wire back into place using the eraser end of a pencil or the back of a spoon. If the wire is irritating your lips or cheeks, cover it with orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton to reduce discomfort until we can fix it.
Maintaining Your Dental Appliances
Proper care of your dental appliances is essential for effective and timely treatment. Damaged or misused devices can delay your progress and extend your time in braces.
Be sure to consistently wear and handle your rubber bands, headgear, retainers, or any other prescribed appliances exactly as instructed. These tools play a crucial role in correctly aligning your teeth and jaws—so staying on top of their maintenance helps ensure the best possible outcome.
Playing Sports With Braces Safely
The great news is—you don’t have to sit out of sports while wearing braces! To protect your teeth and braces, always wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Your orthodontist can help you choose the best type of mouthguard for maximum protection during your specific sport.
If you experience an injury while playing, check your mouth, teeth, and braces right away. If you notice any loose teeth or damaged appliances, contact your orthodontic office immediately. Until you can be seen, you can ease any discomfort by rinsing with warm salt water or using orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or irritating areas.
