When considering having braces put on your teeth, it is normal to have lots of questions about treatment. The goal of the doctors at Orthodontist Select is to minimize discomfort while allowing you to do all the things you have always been able to. Here are some of the most common questions asked in our offices regarding orthodontic treatment.
What Foods Can I Eat?
Although you do have to be careful about what foods you eat while you have braces, there are still lots of foods you can eat. The key is to look for foods that are soft and won’t get stuck in your braces. Here are some great options.
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Watermelon
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Steamed Vegetables
- Lunch meats
- Meatballs
- Pasta
- Tortillas
- Pudding
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes and
- Smoothies
You will want to avoid hard or sticky foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. Some of the foods to avoid include:
- Popcorn
- Hard fruits (but they can be cut up and eaten)
- Nuts
- Corn on the cob
- Hard or sticky candy and
- Bubble gum
Will My Speech Be Affected?
Braces will not affect the way you speak. When your bite is corrected, you may even be able to speak better than before. Sometimes, when new appliances are placed in the mouth, your speech may be affected for a few days, but will return to normal once you get used to the feeling in your mouth.
Can I Still Play Sports?
For most sports, wearing braces will not affect your ability to play. For contact sports, like football or lacrosse, you will want to wear a mouth guard that fits over your braces during the activity. This will protect your teeth and the braces during the sport.
Will I Be Able to Play My Musical Instrument?
If you play an instrument, like the flute, clarinet, or saxophone, wearing braces while playing does take some getting used to. But after a couple of weeks of practice, you will be able to play as well as you did before getting your braces put on.
Will I Have to Brush My Teeth Differently?
Great oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment is very important. You don’t want to end up with cavities and decay after wearing braces. Brushing your teeth and flossing, while wearing braces, does take some getting used to. You will need to devote a few extra minutes each day to brushing and flossing, but after a week or so it will become much faster and easier. It is a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing your mouth out after each meal so that food does not become lodged in your braces and sit on the teeth.
Will Braces Hurt?
We work to provide orthodontic treatment that is as painless and comfortable as possible. When you first get your braces placed, you may experience some discomfort as you get used to the feeling of them in your mouth. Try eating soft foods like pudding or mashed potatoes in the first few days.
Although starting orthodontic treatment can be a bit scary, you will be able to do everything you loved before having your braces put on. If you have any questions in addition to those listed, or would like to schedule a consultation with an Orthodontic Specialist, contact an Orthodontist Select doctor.
Orthodontist Select certified practices treat families in the Frisco, McKinney, Allen and surrounding neighborhoods.
Price Family Orthodontics Frisco
Wise Orthodontics Frisco
RX Smile Frisco
Rendon Orthodontics Allen
Rendon Orthodonitcs Frisco
Stonebridge Orthodontics McKinney
