Annapolis orthodontics services at Labbe Family Orthodontics do not stop after you get your braces. Follow-up visits and continuous care for your teeth are necessary to help you maintain good oral hygiene as well as protect your dental appliance from damage. A common concern of patients with braces installed is knowing the right foods to eat and the ones to avoid. Below is a list of foods you should avoid to help protect your teeth and keep your metal or ceramic braces intact.
Hard or Tough Foods
Definitely avoid raw vegetables, tough meats, ice, hard bread such as bagels, pretzels, hard candy, and nuts. Also think twice before you bite into whole apples, corn-on-the-cob, or uncooked carrots. These foods can pull and tug on the wires and brackets causing them to come loose. They may also get caught in the space between the teeth and the appliance. This can make it difficult to clean your teeth and increases the risk of cavities.
Sticky, Crunchy, and Sugary Foods
Sticky, sugary, and crunchy foods and sugary drinks can also increase the risk of caries. The sugar in these foods can quickly convert into plaque which can be more difficult to remove when wearing wire and bracket braces. Therefore, if you have a “sweet tooth,” you’ll need to remember not to eat caramels, sticky candy, and gum. Popcorn and licorice are also off-limits.
Wearing Invisalign™ May Be a Plus
Annapolis orthodontics also involves Invisalign™ and Teen Invisalign™ treatments. If you are wearing Invisalign aligners, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods including those that are off-limits for individuals with traditional metal or ceramic braces. All you have to do is remove the aligners, eat, clean your teeth, and replace them.
Keep Your Orthodontic Treatment Working Well
While eating with braces can be a challenge, especially in the first few weeks, you’ll eventually get a hang of things. It is essential to eat soft, non-sticky or sugary foods that are cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent bending or breaking the wires and brackets. Your orthodontist may also advise you to use your back teeth for chewing. Braces damage from eating the wrong foods can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the length of time you wear the appliance. You’ll also need to visit our Annapolis orthodontics practice to repair or replace it.
Call to schedule an appointment with our Annapolis Orthodontist
If your braces got destroyed from eating certain foods or you need to do routine cleaning, contact us to schedule your visit at Labbe Family Orthodontics in Annapolis, MD. Our orthodontist can also provide valuable info on the best food choices for you. Call (443) 603-3448 to book an appointment and find out more about other orthodontic services we provide.