races are a special type of orthodontic treatment that uses brackets, wires and bands to shift teeth and jaws into a properly aligned position. When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, your teeth and gums may be more vulnerable to dental disease. In addition, the hardware can make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Dr. Martirosyan, dentist in Glendale, may suggest adjusting your diet to protect your smile and ensure the best outcome with your treatment.
When you are wearing braces, you may need to avoid several foods, including:
1. Sticky foods
Caramels, toffee, fruit chews and similarly sticky foods can stick not only to your fingers but also your teeth and braces. This can actually loosen your brackets or damage your wires.
2. Starchy or sugary foods
Chips, cupcakes, cookies, soda and similarly starchy or sweet foods feed plaque. The bacteria in the plaque will feast on the sweet treats and release acid, which can erode the enamel of your teeth.
3. Hard or crunchy foods
Nuts, popcorn and hard candy can break your brackets or wires. Skip these foods until your treatment is over.
While it may seem like your diet will be limited during your orthodontic treatment, there are still plenty of healthy foods you can enjoy. When choosing fibrous fruits and vegetables, cut them into smaller pieces rather than biting directly into them. You may need to stick with soft foods for a few days after your braces are applied and when they are adjusted. Call us to learn more about braces or to schedule your appointment with Dr. Martirosyan, expert in braces in Glendale.