The application of orthodontic braces, which consist of brackets bonded to teeth, connecting wires, and sometimes small elastic bands, successfully realigns teeth over time. While this process is highly effective, it immediately introduces physical constraints that modify how a person must approach eating. You can chew with braces, but it necessitates a significant modification of both diet and chewing habits. The primary goal of these changes is to prevent damage to the delicate hardware, which, if broken, can delay treatment progress and require unscheduled repair visits.
Foods That Cause Damage
Certain food types must be avoided throughout the treatment period because they pose a direct threat to the integrity of the brackets and wires. Hard foods create concentrated force that can fracture the adhesive bond holding a bracket or snap the archwire. Items like ice cubes, whole nuts, and hard candies are frequent culprits of mechanical failure, often leading to a loose bracket.
Sticky and chewy foods present a different challenge to the orthodontic appliances. These items possess a high viscosity and adhesive quality. When chewed, they can physically pull on the wires and brackets, gradually weakening the bond until the hardware detaches. Examples include:
- Caramels
- Taffy
- Gum
- Certain dried fruits
The third category includes foods that require biting with the front teeth or generate significant localized pressure. Biting directly into items like whole apples, corn on the cob, or hard crusts of bread places excessive force on the front brackets. These foods must be cut into small, manageable pieces before being placed into the mouth, which mitigates the risk of dislodging the appliance. Furthermore, small, crunchy fragments from snacks like popcorn kernels or hard taco shells can become wedged between the wire and the tooth, causing irritation.
Techniques for Safe Chewing
Adapting your chewing technique is a long-term adjustment that helps protect the hardware and improves comfort. The first step is to use a knife and fork to cut all food into small, bite-sized pieces before it enters the mouth. This action eliminates the need to tear food with the front teeth, which are most vulnerable to bracket damage.
Once food is in the mouth, concentrate the chewing action with the back molars, which are designed to handle the grinding and crushing process. Chewing slowly and deliberately allows you to monitor the pressure applied to the food and avoids the forceful, sudden closure of the jaw that can damage braces. After every meal, rinse the mouth with water to dislodge any food particles trapped around the brackets or under the wires. This immediate hygiene step helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the discomfort of food debris lodging in the appliance.
Managing Tenderness Immediately After Installation
The initial period following the placement of braces or a wire adjustment is distinct from the long-term dietary restrictions, as the discomfort is related to tooth movement, not hardware damage. For the first three to five days, your teeth will feel tender due to the pressure applied by the new appliances as they begin to shift. During this time, a soft or liquid diet is recommended to minimize chewing, focusing on foods like:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
Pain resulting from this temporary pressure can often be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additionally, the new hardware may cause irritation on the inside of the cheeks or lips as soft tissues adapt. Applying orthodontic wax over any rough or protruding bracket or wire creates a smooth, protective barrier that prevents further discomfort. A warm salt water rinse can also be used to soothe any minor sores or inflammation.