Life With Braces

GETTING A BEAUTIFUL SMILE WITH BRACES

IS BETTER THAN EVER

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

<iframe id="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/40747736" width="786" height="452" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
We recommend you use a soft bristled toothbrush with a small head. Electric and sonic brushes are also a great choice.
Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
If you have eaten while away from home, use your proxy-brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.
We recommend that you have a regular check up with your dentist every 6 months.

EATING WITH BRACES

You’ve probably heard from friends and family members who have worn braces that you won’t be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you’re in treatment. That’s true – if your favorite food is hard candy:-). The truth is – you can eat most foods as long as you avoid things that would cause you to break a bracket, bend a wire or get caught up in the braces where you are unable to remove it. Here’s a simple, helpful guide to help you avoid any issues. Feel free to print this list out and put it up on the fridge.

Foods to AVOID with braces:

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
Foods you have to bite into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Breads — 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, sliced fruit, most berries (but watch out for seeds)
Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, cake