Wearing orthodontic hardware requires a temporary but significant shift in eating habits to protect the brackets and wires. The introduction of braces means certain foods must be modified or avoided entirely to ensure the integrity of the apparatus and the success of the treatment. Maintaining the structure of the braces is important, as broken components can delay the alignment process and require unscheduled repair appointments. Understanding which foods pose a risk is the first step in navigating the dietary restrictions.
Why Cones Pose a Risk
Traditional sugar and waffle cones present a mechanical risk to the orthodontic hardware because of their inherent physical properties. These baked items are manufactured to be hard, crunchy, and brittle, requiring significant biting force to fracture and chew. The act of biting down on a rigid cone can exert undue pressure on the adhesive bond holding the metal or ceramic brackets to the tooth enamel.
This force can cause a bracket to pop off the tooth surface or bend or dislodge the thin archwire. When a cone breaks apart in the mouth, the resulting sharp, hard fragments can also be accidentally chewed against the braces. These fragments can easily become trapped between the wire and the tooth, potentially causing a bracket failure or irritating the surrounding gum tissue. Avoiding this type of rigid chewing is necessary to prevent damage to the appliance.
Safe Methods for Eating Ice Cream
Ice cream itself is generally considered a safe, soft food for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. The cold, smooth texture is recommended by many orthodontists, particularly after an adjustment, as it can help soothe any temporary discomfort in the teeth and gums. The potential issue lies not in the frozen dairy product, but in the delivery method and any hard additions.
To safely enjoy ice cream, the safest choice is to consume it exclusively from a bowl using a spoon, eliminating the need to bite into a cone. Prioritize soft-serve or custards over hard-packed, dense ice creams, as these require less effort to eat and pose a lower risk. If you are eating hard-scooped ice cream, allow it to sit for several minutes until it softens significantly, ensuring it is easily mashable before consumption. You should also avoid any flavors containing hard mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or candy pieces, as these are primary culprits for bracket damage.
Dealing with Damaged Brackets or Wires
Despite taking precautions, damage to your braces can sometimes occur. If a bracket comes loose or a wire starts poking the inside of your cheek or gum, the first step is to apply a small amount of orthodontic wax over the offending component. The wax creates a smooth, protective barrier to prevent the metal from causing irritation or cuts to the soft tissues of the mouth.
If a bracket has detached completely or a wire is broken, gently remove any pieces that are safely loose and keep them to show your orthodontist. Never attempt to re-cement a bracket or permanently trim a wire yourself, as this can cause further harm or delay treatment. Contact your orthodontist’s office promptly to schedule a repair appointment, even if the temporary fix with wax is holding, because damaged hardware can halt the tooth movement process.