Wearing braces requires a temporary change in diet. Orthodontic appliances are cemented onto the teeth and connected by thin wires, making them susceptible to damage from certain textures and forces. Understanding the limits of these appliances is important for keeping treatment on track and avoiding unscheduled repair visits. This guide offers practical advice for navigating your diet while wearing braces, focusing specifically on enjoying corn safely.
Eating Corn Safely
The direct answer to whether you can eat corn depends entirely on the method of consumption. Biting corn directly off the cob is strongly discouraged because it applies substantial shearing force to the front brackets and wires. This intense pressure is likely to loosen a bracket or bend the archwire, which interrupts the tooth movement planned by your orthodontist.
The approved and safe way to enjoy corn is to remove the kernels from the cob before eating. Use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off and then eat them with a fork or spoon. This modification avoids the damaging frontal biting action.
You should also ensure the kernels are soft, which can be accomplished by thoroughly steaming or boiling the corn. Cooked, softened corn kernels pose little risk to the appliance and can be chewed safely with the back teeth. Incorporating corn kernels into soft dishes like salads, soups, or casseroles is another excellent, low-risk way to enjoy the vegetable.
How Braces Are Damaged By Certain Foods
Orthodontic appliances are precise systems designed to apply gentle, continuous force to shift teeth into new positions. Components include brackets bonded to the teeth and a flexible archwire that runs through them, often held by elastic bands or metal ties. Damage occurs when a food item exerts a mechanical force that exceeds the tolerance of the adhesive or the wire.
Two primary types of damaging force are crushing and shearing. Crushing force happens when you bite down hard on items like nuts, ice, or hard candies, which can bend the archwire or dislodge the bands around the back molars. Bent wires stop the intended movement of the teeth, requiring a repair that extends treatment time.
Shearing force is the tearing or pulling action, like biting into a whole apple or pulling meat off a bone. This sideways stress can snap the bracket’s adhesive bond with the tooth, causing the bracket to pop off. Sticky foods like taffy or caramel create a pulling force when you try to separate them from the teeth, which can also dislodge brackets or pull the archwire out of its slot. Any damage to the hardware requires an unscheduled appointment.
Comprehensive Dietary Guidelines for Orthodontic Patients
To maintain the integrity of your orthodontic appliance, foods are generally categorized into three groups: those to avoid completely, those requiring modification, and those that are naturally safe. Foods to avoid entirely include anything excessively sticky, hard, or crunchy. This means no hard candies, chewing ice, popcorn, hard pretzels, or sticky caramels, as these present a high risk of mechanical damage.
Many healthy foods only require a simple preparation change to be safe for braces. Raw vegetables like carrots and fruits like apples must be cut into small, bite-sized pieces that are chewed with the back teeth, completely avoiding the front teeth. Tougher meats and breads with hard crusts, such as bagels, should be torn into small portions or softened before consumption.
Soft foods are the safest options and should make up the bulk of your diet, especially after adjustments when teeth may be sensitive. Excellent choices include:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft cheeses
- Pasta
- Steamed vegetables
- Soft fruits like bananas
Regardless of the food, it is important to clean your braces immediately afterward, particularly after consuming sugary or sticky items, as trapped food debris increases the risk of plaque buildup and decay.