Congratulations! You are steps away from the smile you've always wanted. We know you might have some questions about how to take care of your braces, which is expected! Dr. Willcox and his team will walk you through the steps of how braces go on and what you should expect at your consultation, but here are a couple of questions that we can answer for you right now!
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods — Jerky, licorice
- Crunchy foods — granola bars, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
You won't have to save goodbye to these foods altogether but it will be the WAY you eat these foods that will need to change!
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Bread — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/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
Playing Sports with Braces
Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
How to Floss Your Teeth with Braces
Click on our video to find out how to properly brush your teeth when you have braces.