Orthodontic treatment requires adjustments to daily habits, particularly diet. The hardware used to align teeth, including brackets and wires, is strong but susceptible to damage from mechanical forces exerted during chewing. Understanding which foods pose a risk allows patients to protect their appliances and ensure treatment progresses efficiently.
The Direct Answer: Corn on the Cob and Braces
Biting directly into corn on the cob is strongly advised against by orthodontists. Tearing kernels from the cob with the front teeth places a significant shearing force onto the brackets and bonding adhesive. This leverage is powerful enough to break the cement bond, causing a bracket to detach from the tooth surface. The pressure can also bend or distort the archwires, potentially causing them to pop out of place. A broken bracket or displaced wire halts tooth movement, extending the overall treatment time.
Safely Enjoying Corn and Other Hard Foods
Avoiding damage does not require eliminating corn completely from the diet. The solution is to remove the kernels from the cob before eating them. Once the kernels are cut off, they can be enjoyed safely as a soft food that requires less aggressive chewing. This preparation technique bypasses the direct biting action that causes hardware damage.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
The principle of modification applies to other hard or crunchy foods that pose a mechanical risk, such as raw apples and carrots. Instead of biting into a whole apple, cut it into thin slices or small pieces that can be chewed with the back teeth. Raw carrots and other hard vegetables should be steamed, boiled, or roasted until they are soft and less resistant to chewing forces.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy items, including taffy, caramel, and chewy breads like bagels, also pose a risk. These foods adhere strongly to the brackets and wires. They can pull the hardware away from the tooth surface or cause the archwire to bend upon release. Cutting these items into very small, manageable portions or opting for softer alternatives helps mitigate the risk of damage.
Immediate Steps If Damage Occurs
If a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose, assess the damage without probing the hardware with fingers or tools. A loose bracket may spin freely on the wire, and a displaced wire might poke the cheek or gum tissue. Contact the orthodontist’s office immediately to schedule a repair appointment, explaining the nature of the damage.
While waiting for the appointment, cover any sharp edges temporarily with a small piece of orthodontic wax to prevent soft tissue injury. If a loose wire is causing pain, a cotton swab or a clean pencil eraser can be used to gently push the wire into a less irritating position. Continue eating only soft foods to prevent further damage until a professional repair can be performed.