Orthodontics
Braces
Orthodontics
Braces
Why Braces?
- For patients who may not be a good candidate for Invisalign, or for those who prefer braces, we’ve got you covered.
- At G & G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, all patients will receive Self Ligating Braces, which use a clip to hold your archwire in place instead of traditional rubber bands.
- These clips allow for quicker and easier wire adjustments.
- No more tightening is required, which can all mean less time in the orthodontist’s chair!
- Self Ligating braces also have a low-profile design with sculpted edges to create a smoother surface against your cheeks and lips.
- They are smaller, less noticeable, and easier to brush around and can be a great choice for any age
Benefits of Self Ligating Braces
- By combining the aesthetic appeal of traditional clear aligners with the efficiency and comfort of self-ligating braces, these innovative orthodontic appliances provide incredible results in a shorter period.
- These technological marvels feature clear tieless brackets and high-technology archwires for quick and discreet treatment. Unlike traditional brackets, they don’t need frequent tightening, which reduces the friction on your teeth, gums, and mouth.
- They are also resistant to stains and discolorations, remaining practically invisible during your entire treatment. If you’re looking for an effective, convenient, and fuss-free solution for orthodontic problems, this is it!
What is the difference?
Traditional
- Use archwires, brackets, and rubber bands to straighten and realign crooked teeth.
- Rubber bands trap food particles, and this can lead to plaque build-up and decay.
- More friction and pressure on the tooth.
- The treatment takes longer.
Self-Ligating
- Use specially designed clips to hold the archwires in place instead of rubber bands.
- It is easier to keep your teeth clean because there are no rubber bands.
- Brackets are thinner, smaller, and less noticeable.
- Less pressure and friction are placed on the tooth.
- Treatment is quicker.
Tips & Tricks for Enjoying Braces
Adapting to Braces in Your First Week
Your first week is definitely the hardest. You will feel soreness and sensitivity so be extra gentle on your mouth the first week. Once you get through week one, you will be able to expand your food choices.
Here are a few tips for the first few days:
- Choose soft foods that are easy to chew and aren’t crunchy or sticky.
- Chew slowly and cautiously. Cutting your food into smaller bites will help!
- Avoid hard foods, hard candy is not a friend of braces.
- Don’t bite into foods directly with your front teeth.
What to Eat with Braces
- Vegetables & Beans - potatoes (mashed are best, yum!), steamed veggies, cooked or refried beans
- Fruits - bananas, applesauce, smoothies
- Grains - soft pasta, well cooked oatmeal, soft rice
- Proteins - poached chicken, tofu, seafood, meatballs and meatloaf, lunch meats, scrambled eggs, canned tuna
- Breads - tortillas, naan, muffins without crunchy ingredients, pancakes, soft breads
- Soups - blended soups are perfect, any soup without crunchy bits
- Dairy - soft cheeses, pudding, ice cream, yogurt
What Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Hard foods - nuts, hard candy, raw veggies (like carrots), very crusty bread, ice
- Crunchy foods - popcorn, pretzels, thick cut chips
- Chewy foods - bags, pizza crust, beef jerky, chewy candy, tough meat
- Foods you bite into - whole apples, corn on the cob, meat on the bone
- Sticky foods - caramels, gummy bears, taffy, gum
Developing Healthy Dental Habits
Getting braces can seem intimidating, but sticking to foods that are orthodontist-approved will help your mouth will get used to them with minimal discomfort. We are always here to answer any questions you may have about your treatment plan, braces care, and orthodontic dental routines.
Let us support you on your journey to a healthy, stunning smile!
Eating with Braces: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat Chips with Braces?
Yes…but it depends on what kinds! If you eat one chip at a time, you should be able to enjoy a variety of chips. Stick with the softer, baked options like Pringles, baked chips, cheese puffs, and even some varieties of alternative chips such as lentil or kale chips. You should absolutely avoid chips like kettle chips, thick and crunchy chips, and Cheetos.
Can I Eat Cereal with Braces?
Cereal is one of the most popular breakfast choices in America, and the idea of giving up your typical breakfast can be worrying! However, many types of cereal are perfectly ok for braces. Since cereal softens as it is exposed to milk, you can eat most types of cereal. Allowing it to soften until it’s safe to eat should be all that’s required for most of your favorites. But be conscious of the crunch! Granola and other crunchy cereals are not good choices, as they can dislodge the brackets or break wires. Consider including soft oatmeal or other cooked cereals if you wish to include more grains in your diet.
How Can I Protect My Braces from Food?
The key to protecting your braces is to choose foods that are easy to chew and won’t stick to your teeth. You can enjoy a wide variety of foods including smoothies, eggs, cheeses, yogurt, tofu, oatmeal, muffins, pancakes, cooked veggies, and ice cream! Good oral care is the other part of wearing braces. Floss regularly, clean under the wires and around each bracket with your brush, and clean the back of each tooth to keep your mouth healthy and fresh while the braces work to perfect your smile!
Can I Eat Popcorn with Braces?
Popcorn hulls are definitely not braces-friendly. Unless you can find corn puffs or “hulless” popcorn, you are at too much risk for damage. Popcorn is a common cause of tooth damage even without braces, but with them you run the additional risk of the hulls getting stuck under the wires and between teeth with very little ability to remove them.
What Will Gum Do to My Braces?
Chewing gum is definitely a hazard for braces. It’s sticky and can adhere to the brackets, get stuck behind the wires and could also stick to your rubber bands. As you chew, you also run the risk of bending or breaking wires which will impact your treatment plan and likely require you to come in for repairs.
Can I Eat Pizza with Braces?
Pizza can be braces-friendly, if you choose the right type! The crust needs to be your main consideration – you will need to choose soft crusts. Avoid thick, crunchy, and even thin crusts to protect your braces from damage. Beyond that though, the possibilities are endless! You could even experiment with making your own pizzas, complete with favorite toppings and a homemade or store-bought crust!
