Braces effectively straighten teeth and improve smiles. Yet, adjusting to them, handling discomfort, and changing eating habits can be a bit challenging.
After getting braces, patients are usually advised to strictly follow an aftercare routine to let the braces settle on their teeth. A significant part of that routine involves changing food habits while the braces adapt to your teeth and the soreness disappears. Here are some basic guidelines on what you may eat and avoid during your first week with braces.
What causes the soreness after getting braces?
Soreness or a little discomfort after getting braces is very normal. These sensations usually come from the orthodontic adjustments that your teeth undergo. Braces are installed to straighten your teeth by putting pressure on them. This gentle but continuous pressure initially leads to minor trauma in the ligaments and bones around the teeth, resulting in some discomfort and soreness.
This pressure gradually relocates teeth to the intended location, and the soreness and discomfort disappear. You may consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to deal with the discomfort, as per the orthodontist’s suggestion.
What foods should you eat during the first week with braces?
Braces exert pressure on your teeth to move them. After getting braces, the gum around the teeth remains sensitive, making certain foods uncomfortable and potentially loosening the brackets. So, you should be careful about what you eat during the first week after getting braces. Usually, you should opt for soft or liquid foods that are easy to clean.
Foods requiring minimal chewing are also ideal during this period. For the first few days, try sticking to liquid foods completely, like smoothies and soup. Gradually, as days go by, you can move to softer foods. Here’s a list of foods you can try at different times of the day.
Breakfast
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Waffles
- Pancakes
- Muffins
- Smoothies
Lunch
- Soft bread sandwich with jelly or butter
- Cooked rice
- Shredded meat
- Soup
- Meatballs
- Egg, chicken, or tuna salad
Dinner
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Polenta
- Cooked beans
- Spaghetti
- Pasta
Snacks
- Soft fruits
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Grilled cheese
- Ice cream
- Avocado
- Pudding
What foods should you avoid during the first week with braces?
Avoid any hard, chewy, or sticky foods during the first week with braces. Foods that get stuck to the braces can further increase discomfort. You should be mindful of your chewing techniques during this period, as this will make eating more comfortable. You should use your comfort level as your guide. You can slowly incorporate regular food into your diet as you get comfortable.
How long after getting braces can you eat normal or solid foods?
There is no fixed timeline to start eating regular food after getting braces. The time frame depends on the individual and how quickly the braces settle on your teeth. After a week, you can start eating regular and solid foods. If the discomfort persists, you may wait a few more days or consult your orthodontist for advice.
Foods to avoid completely with braces
Braces usually do not restrict your eating or drinking habits. There are some foods you should avoid when you have braces on. Avoiding these foods will ensure you get the best possible results with the braces and minimize any discomfort throughout the treatment.
You should avoid anything that’s extra hard, sticky, or carries acidic content. These foods can damage the braces’ wires, potentially causing the braces to come loose. Here are the foods you may avoid completely while wearing braces.
- Hard and sticky candies
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Bagels
- Hard rolls
- Ice
- Crunchy fruits (Apple, carrot, etc.)
Even if you want to eat the foods mentioned above, ensure you break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to minimize potential damage.
Tips for surviving the first week with braces
Eating can get challenging right after you get braces. Here are several tips to ease your comfort with braces and simplify your eating experience.
- After getting the braces for the first time, check the wires, ask any questions, and understand the orthodontist’s guidelines to avoid complications while eating later.
- Braces are usually gentle on the inside of your mouth. However, initial constant rubbing can cause discomfort; applying wax routinely can ease this.
- Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help with irritation. Though irritation is rare, rinsing for a minute 5 or 6 times a day can reduce the irritation.
- Proper diet is crucial to allow the braces to settle. So, stock up brace friendly and healthy food and drinks before getting braces.
- Foods can easily get stuck to your teeth with the braces on. So, ensure you brush, floss, and maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy.
Brace Central: Your partner to unlock the best smile
Braces can increase your self-confidence and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. If you live in Brooklyn, New York, and are looking for braces near me, Brace Central can be your partner in getting the best orthodontic treatment possible.
Our expert team of orthodontists will help you with every step of your brace treatment with clear communications, guidelines, and a customized treatment plan. Call Brace Central today at (718) 998-1888 to set a consultation to analyze your oral condition and discuss braces in Brooklyn, NY.
Final Thoughts
Braces are a long-term treatment that needs to adapt to the teeth. Each person adapts to the discomfort and the changed food habits differently. However, if you remember what to eat during the first week with braces, you’ll have a much more comfortable experience.
Changing your food habits for a week can be discouraging, but it’ll help you get the best out of the braces. If you still struggle to eat after adhering to the guidelines above, ask your orthodontists for help and customized guidelines.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice or treatment. Consult a qualified orthodontist before you decide to get braces. Individual results may vary, and the content does not guarantee specific outcomes. Consulting with professional orthodontists for personalized guidance is advisable.