Braces FAQ Brooklyn
Get answers to common braces questions from Dr. Polina Ingberman. Learn about foods, cost, duration, whitening, and more.
Eating With Braces
Q:
How long after getting braces can I eat normally?
A:
The discomfort from braces should last but two to three days after placement; after that, most foods can be eaten but very crunchy, very hard, or very sticky foods should be avoided.
Q:
Can you chew gum with braces?
A:
No, you should not chew gum with braces as it can cause the braces to break.
Q:
Can you eat chips with braces?
A:
It depends. You can eat soft chips like potato chips, but not hard chips like tortilla chips because they can damage the braces.
Q:
What junk food can you eat with braces?
A:
There is a lot of junk food that can be eaten with braces, like potato chips and soft chocolates. Hard or sticky junk food should be avoided.
Q:
Can you eat pizza with braces?
A:
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces, but if the crust is very crunchy, it should be avoided.
Q:
Can you eat burgers with braces?
A:
Yes, burgers should not be a problem as long as they do not contain large pieces of hard ingredients like nuts.
Q:
Can you eat chocolate with braces?
A:
Yes, if it is not straight from the refrigerator. Soft, normal chocolate can be eaten.
Q:
What foods loosen braces?
A:
Any hard, sticky, or crunchy food such as gum, sticky candy, or very hard fruits or vegetables like raw carrots, or hard bars like granola bars should be avoided as they can damage the braces.
Q:
What exactly is not allowed to eat with braces?
A:
A list of foods not allowed is available on our website. It provides a comprehensive list of foods that should be avoided.
Caring for Your Teeth
Q:
How to whiten teeth with braces?
A:
Teeth should not be whitened when braces are attached, as the surface of the tooth that has a brace on will not be whitened. However, it’s definitely possible to whiten teeth once the braces are removed.
Q:
How do you get rid of yellow teeth with braces?
A:
Brushing and communicating very well should solve the issue; professional cleaning is also recommended at least once every six months.
Do I Need Braces?
Q:
How do you know if you need braces?
A:
There are a few indications. First of all, some people have crowding or spacing, and they want braces to address these issues. Sometimes, a dentist may recommend braces for problems with the bite or a defect, and a lot of younger patients should be screened by an orthodontist to prevent problems and maybe get braces before severe issues occur.
Q:
What is a good age to get braces?
A:
A child should be screened by an orthodontist around seven or eight years old, and the doctor will give the best estimate of the timing when the braces should be placed.
Q:
Can I get braces even if my teeth are straight?
A:
There might be some bite issues, but no one should get braces if they have good alignment and good occlusion.
Braces vs. Invisalign
Q:
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
A:
No, it moves teeth at the same speed as traditional orthodontic treatment.