Posted on December 8, 2022
According to Fortune Business Insights, the United States market for orthodontics in 2021 was over $3.3 billion. With this increased prevalence in orthodontics, wearing braces is a much easier experience now than ever before.
While braces won’t drastically affect your life while wearing them, there are still some changes that you should make. Orthodontists recommend that the following foods be avoided during the time that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
One of the top foods to avoid when wearing braces is popcorn. This snack, while delicious, can wreak havoc on braces. In addition to the kernels getting stuck in your braces, it can also damage them.
Hard and chewy candies are also on the “no-go” list. They can get stuck in the wires of your braces or even dislodge your brackets if you bite down the wrong way. Keep your hard-candy stash for after your braces are removed. Taffy, and other sticky candies, are to be avoided at all costs.
Another class of food to avoid is chewy food. Pizza and bagels are wonderful, but not when you are in the middle of your treatment. The chewiness can cause damage to your wires and brackets if you bite down the wrong way. Stick to crustless pizza and regular toast.
Many patients are surprised to hear that raw vegetables are also on the “avoid” list. Stringy celery can get caught in your wires and raw carrots can cause damage to your brackets. If you want to eat your vegetables, the solution is luckily simple. Steam, sauté, or otherwise cook any vegetables before eating.
Wearing braces may mean that you need to make some changes to your everyday life. Fortunately, any discomfort that you experience during your orthodontic treatment will be worth it and is easily fixed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, or ice to calm any inflammation.
In addition to an improved smile, your properly aligned teeth will help you to avoid future issues. Orthodontists are a great resource when it comes to tips that make wearing braces easier. Give Orthodontics LA a call today to learn more about braces care or to schedule your complimentary consultation, today!
