Tips For Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic treatment includes many types of orthodontic appliances such as, removable plates, fixed plates, braces and clear aligners. These treatments can be applied to both your upper and lower teeth and are used to correct an orthodontic problem such as buck teeth, underbite, cross bite, teeth relapse and crowded teeth. In some cases, jaw surgery may be required to correct severe malocclusions or facial asymmetry.

It’s important to remain careful while eating to avoid damaging the orthodontic appliance or causing discomfort to the upper jaw or lower jaw. Read more for some tips and tricks when eating with different orthodontic appliances.

Braces are an orthodontic appliance that use small metal or ceramic brackets connected by a wire to reposition your teeth. They are glued to your upper teeth and lower teeth and can stay on anywhere from 18 to 24 months.

Sometimes when having braces, removable rubber bands are worn to help move the teeth forward or backwards. If you end up using rubber bands when having braces, it is important to remove them before eating to avoid accidentally swallowing them or have them breaking.

Soft foods are a safe option when eating with an orthodontic appliance such as a palate expander, as they are easy to chew and won’t cause any damage to the upper dental arch or lower jaw. Cutting food into small, bite-sized pieces can help prevent damage to the orthodontic appliance, particularly when eating crunchy or hard foods.

It is crucial to avoid sticky and chewy foods that can get stuck in the palatal expander or braces, causing discomfort or dislodging the rubber bands or fixed appliance. Sticky foods can cling on to the fixed appliances and can become a risk to developing dental decay.

Drinking through a straw can help avoid staining teeth and orthodontic appliance, particularly when drinking sugary or acidic drinks. Rinsing the mouth with water after eating can help dislodge any food particles that may be stuck in the dental arch or lower teeth also neutralize the mouth after acidic drinks.

When undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, eating can be a bit challenging. However, there are some tips that you can follow to make it easier:

Remove your aligners before eating

This prevents food particles from getting stuck between your aligners and teeth. This can lead to bacteria buildup, which increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. This also helps to keep your aligners clean and hygienic.

Clean your teeth before reinserting your aligner appliance after eating

Brushing and flossing can keep your aligners clean and reduce the likelihood of bacteria buildup.

Drink plenty of water during and after meals

This helps wash away food particles and reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Use a retainer cleaner or soak your aligner appliance in a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes each day to keep your retainers clean and fresh.

This helps wash away food particles and reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Use a retainer cleaner or soak your aligner appliance in a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes each day to keep your retainers clean and fresh.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical during orthodontic treatment. Careful brushing and flossing regularly can help remove any food particles or bacteria trapped in the orthodontic appliance or between the teeth. A dental hygiene kit, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash, is useful when on the go to maintain oral hygiene.

Avoiding habits such as biting nails or chewing on pens is important to prevent damage to the orthodontic appliance. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the progress of the orthodontic treatment and ensure healthy teeth and gums.