When wearing braces, food choices become an important part of daily life. Proper nutrition can make orthodontic treatment easier and help maintain oral hygiene. In this article, we explore the best foods for people with fixed braces to ensure comfort and oral health throughout the course of treatment.

Understanding the challenges of fixed braces
Fixed braces, which are extremely popular in orthodontic therapy today, correct the alignment of teeth using brackets and wires. While they are an excellent solution for achieving a perfect smile, they can present certain challenges when it comes to eating. Brackets and wires can be sensitive to certain types of foods, which may make maintenance more difficult and potentially extend the duration of treatment.

Food Choices – what to eat with braces

Soft, easy-to-chew meats
Meat can be an excellent source of protein, but choose cuts that are tender and easy to chew. Steamed chicken or ground beef are perfect options. Avoid tough or crunchy meats, such as roasted pork or steaks, which require strong biting and can strain your braces.

Dairy products
Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and puddings provide plenty of nutrients that help strengthen your teeth without posing a risk to your braces. Besides being soft and easy to eat, these foods are rich in calcium, which is excellent for maintaining oral health.

Cooked vegetables
Vegetables are essential for overall health, but raw, hard vegetables can damage braces. Instead, opt for cooked vegetables like broccoli or carrots, which become soft and easier to chew during cooking.

Fruit – finely chopped or pureed
Soft fruits such as bananas are ideal for those wearing braces. For other fruits, it’s recommended to chop them finely or prepare them as a puree to reduce pressure on your teeth and braces.

Foods to avoid
When wearing fixed braces, it’s important to be cautious of foods that can damage brackets or cause plaque buildup:

Hard candies and nuts: These can easily break wires or dislodge brackets.
Sticky sweets: Caramel or taffy can leave residue on teeth that’s difficult to remove with a toothbrush.
Crunchy snacks: Popcorn or chips can also damage braces, as small crumbs can get stuck between teeth and brackets.

Tips for maintaining oral hygiene while wearing braces

Proper oral hygiene is essential throughout your orthodontic treatment. Brushing regularly after every meal ensures that food particles don’t accumulate around the brackets, which could lead to dental problems in the future. Use interdental brushes and dental floss to help remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas.

Orthodontic checkups
Regular visits to your orthodontist are essential for monitoring the condition of your braces and the progress of your treatment. Over time, your orthodontist will adjust the wires as needed to ensure the best results within the planned treatment period.

The ultimate goal of using advanced orthodontic appliances is a healthy, long-lasting smile. Choosing the right foods not only makes adapting to braces easier but also significantly contributes to the overall success of your treatment!