Taking Care of Braces and Invisalign
Excellent oral hygiene is a crucial part of successful experience with braces or Invisalign. It’s important to brush and floss after every time you eat food or drink any liquids other than water. Frequent brushing helps prevent cavities, gum issues, and bad breath. Don’t forget to check between brackets!
In addition to your personal oral hygiene routine, it is important to continue your twice-yearly exams with your general dentist and your twice-yearly cleanings with your hygienist, unless prescribed more frequently.
What Can And Can’t You Eat With Braces?
If you or your child have braces, you’re probably wondering what the rules are for what you can and can’t eat!
There are some foods that any braces-wearer should avoid completely, but there are many more that are fine to eat. You will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
When you or your child gets braces, you will need to make some changes to your eating habits. A few changes can make a big difference while wearing braces. Choosing the right food will make wearing braces more comfortable. You’ll also cut down on extra trips to the orthodontist for repairs by avoiding damage to the braces.
There are so many foods you can eat while wearing braces! You’re not limited to only soft or pureed foods. It is important to be aware of the foods you can and can’t eat so you take care of your braces correctly.
Here are a couple of foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Bread (soft tacos and tortillas are great options)
- Dairy (yogurt, smoothies, and soft cheeses)
- Grains (rice and pasta)
- Soft meats (chicken, lunch meat, even a slow-cooked roast…make sure there are no bones)
- Soft/cooked vegetables (baked or mashed potatoes, greens, beans)
- Soft fruits (bananas, pineapple, berries, stone fruits…just make sure not to bite into the pit)
- Sweet treats (ice cream, Jello, milkshakes, and chocolate bars…brush your teeth afterward)
Foods you should AVOID with braces:
- Certain hard or chewy vegetables (raw carrots, corn on the cob, whole pickles)
- Hard, chewy, or sticky candy (taffy, Starbursts, licorice, gum, brittle, and anything with caramel)
- Popcorn (the kernels can easily get stuck in your braces)
- Beef jerky (it takes a lot of chewing to get through and can damage braces)
- Hard fruits (apples and pears…these snacks are ok if you cut them into small pieces)
For those who wear clear aligners, make sure to limit coffee consumption and not chew gum while wearing your retainers. It is also imperative to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day!