Getting braces is a big decision. You know from the get-go that using braces is going to mean that you’re going to need to make some adjustments in the way you go about your everyday life. You are going to need to take time to make sure that your teeth are clean and that the appliances are properly adjusted.
One of the biggest adjustments you’re going to need to make is the types of foods you can eat. It can be a challenge staying away from chips and popcorn, but you have to look at the big picture. You want your teeth to look their best for years to come. If you need to temporarily give up some of the foods that you love, the end result is worth it.
Foods to Avoid
Chewy and sticky foods can actually distort your braces, get stuck inside of your braces, and damage your teeth. As much as you may love them, you will need to avoid things like licorice, caramel, chewing gum, bagels, and gummy bears.
Other foods that might damage your braces are those that require you to bite into them in order to eat them. Think about things like corn on the cob, carrots, and apples. Because of the hardness of these foods, biting into them has the potential of damaging your appliances.
You will also need to stay away from crunchy or hard foods. This means that popcorn is a no-no. Although you should never do it in the first place, you definitely want to avoid chewing on ice when you have appliances in your mouth. Nuts, hard candies, and things of that sort are also on your to avoid list.
Foods That You Can Eat
Thankfully, it’s not all gloom and doom. There are a lot of delicious foods that you are going to be able to eat. For example, you can eat soft dairy products, like pudding, some ice creams, yogurt, etc. You don’t have to give up having pancakes in the morning or a soft tortilla with your lunch or dinner.
While you will probably stay away from steak, you can enjoy lunch meats, meatballs, and soft cooked chicken. You can also enjoy seafood, crab cakes, tuna, salmon, grouper, and things of that sort. As far as vegetables are concerned, mashed potatoes, beans, and steamed spinach are going to be great for you.
While you don’t want to bite into a whole apple, applesauce is going to be a perfect fit. Drink all the fruit juice you want, and enjoy a soft banana.
While there are some limitations that come from wearing braces, you know that these limitations are short-lived. Soon, you’ll be back to eating all the delicious foods you want without a concern in the world. Are you considering getting braces at Unique Orthodontics in Fresno, Old Town Clovis, Madera, Tulare, and the Buchanan area? Let us show you the orthodontic services we offer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!