What Not to Eat With Clear Braces

More and more patients pick clear braces to straighten teeth and correct other abnormalities of the mouth. This solution offers benefits and advantages that traditional braces cannot match. If you are interested in going this route, your dentist can help. Once you get your braces, you should be cautious about what you eat and drink.

The function

Clear braces consist of porcelain or ceramic brackets and wires, which the dentist will cement to the patient’s teeth. The braces will put pressure on the person’s teeth, so they will move into the proper position. The process usually takes between one and two years but will vary depending on the patient’s needs and the severity of the teeth’s misalignment. Patients will come in for regular appointments during this time so the dentist can adjust the braces and check on the progress.

Avoiding hard foods

The dentist will counsel patients to be careful about eating hard foods while wearing clear braces. This could damage the brackets, possibly breaking them. Items such as nuts, ice and hard candy are among the biggest culprits for problems.

Stay away from the sticky stuff

Other types of food can pull the brackets off the person’s teeth. Caramel is one of the biggest offenders of this issue. People who wear clear braces should also think twice about chewing gum. Not only can this cause problems with the brackets and wires, but it can get stuck in them as well.

Be wary of crunchy items with clear braces

Who does not like munching on a bag of chips with lunch or as an afternoon or evening snack? Unfortunately, this favorite is not a friend of braces. Chips and other crunchy items such as pretzels can get stuck in between the bracket and wires. This can be irritating and painful. These pieces can be difficult to remove too. Eventually, bacteria can build up, leading to tooth decay.

Chewy food

The list of things to avoid with clear braces should also include food that requires the patient to chew harder on longer. Bagels and hard rolls can get messy in the brackets and possibly even pull them off the teeth. Licorice and other candy can have the same effect.

Drinks that stain

Clear braces are a top choice of patients because they are virtually invisible. Many people do not want their braces to stand out, but this can start to happen with staining and discoloration. Certain beverages tend to change the clearness into a more noticeable yellow or brown. Patients should be careful about drinking too much cola, coffee, tea or red wine.

Keep them looking nice

You want your clear braces to correct the issues with your teeth. Over time, your crooked teeth can straighten and improve your smile. During your treatment, you should also protect the integrity of the braces and maintain the way the brackets look. Staying away from these foods should help you accomplish this goal. Talk to your dentist today about other ways you can take good care of your braces.

Request an appointment here: https://smilowfamilydentistry.com or call Smilow Family Dentistry, P.C. at (973) 379-2202 for an appointment in our Springfield Township office.

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