Getting braces is a significant step toward a healthier smile, but it immediately raises questions about daily life, especially concerning food. The first 24 to 48 hours after application are the initial period of adjustment where the hardware is new and the teeth are beginning to feel pressure. Many people instantly worry about their favorite foods, and the question of consuming a slice of pizza on this first day is a common concern. Understanding the physical realities of the new appliance and the sensitivity of your teeth is the key to navigating your initial dietary choices.
The Immediate Answer: Pizza on Day One
Eating pizza immediately after getting braces is technically possible, but it requires significant modification and caution. The primary concern is not the cheese or sauce, but the crust, which can be either too hard or too chewy for newly aligned hardware and sensitive teeth. A hard or thick, chewy crust, like that of a deep-dish or certain hand-tossed varieties, should be avoided entirely as it can damage the brackets or wires.
If you choose to eat pizza, select only a thin-crust variety and ensure it is not burnt or overly crispy, which would make it too rigid. The most important technique is to cut the slice into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces before it ever enters your mouth. This completely bypasses the need to bite into the food with your sensitive front teeth, which are under the most immediate pressure from the newly placed archwire. You must chew slowly and deliberately using only your back molars, where the chewing force is more distributed and less likely to put strain on the front appliance. Even with these precautions, the immediate soreness might make chewing any food that is not perfectly soft an uncomfortable experience.
Understanding the First Day Soreness
The discomfort experienced on the first day is a direct result of the gentle, consistent force applied by the new archwires to your teeth. This pressure signals the body to begin the process of bone remodeling, which allows the teeth to shift into their desired positions. This movement activates the periodontal ligament, the supportive tissue surrounding the tooth roots, leading to inflammation and a dull, widespread ache or tenderness. The peak of this soreness typically occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours and then gradually subsides.
The new brackets and wires can also cause mechanical irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth. The inside of your cheeks, lips, and tongue may develop small sores or feel tender as they rub against the unfamiliar hardware. To manage this discomfort, you can apply orthodontic wax directly to any brackets or wires causing friction, creating a smooth barrier.
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce the inflammation and alleviate the ache, often providing relief when taken before the sensitivity becomes pronounced. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 10 to 15 minutes can numb the area and reduce swelling and soreness.
A warm salt water rinse, made by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, can soothe any irritated gums or minor sores that develop from the initial friction. Because of this intense physical adjustment period, most patients naturally gravitate toward a diet of soft foods, simply because chewing anything firm is uncomfortable.
Essential Dietary Rules for the First Week
The initial week requires a focus on foods that are not only soft but that also pose no threat to the structural integrity of the braces. The diet must be gentle on the teeth and the appliance to prevent bent wires or a bracket separating from the tooth surface. Failure to follow these guidelines can delay your treatment timeline and potentially necessitate emergency visits to the orthodontist.
Food restrictions generally fall into three main categories that must be avoided during the first week and often throughout the entire treatment.
Hard or Crunchy Items
Hard or crunchy items, such as ice, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn, create an impact force that can snap archwires or dislodge a bracket entirely.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
Sticky or chewy foods, including gum, caramel, toffee, and taffy, can wrap around the brackets and wires, pulling them loose or bending them out of position. These items also make proper cleaning extremely difficult, trapping food debris and increasing the risk of plaque buildup around the appliance.
Foods Requiring Front Biting
Any food that requires biting directly into it with the front teeth must be completely modified. Whole apples, raw carrots, and corn on the cob generate a shearing force that can easily break off front brackets. Instead, cut these items into very small, thin pieces before consumption, allowing you to chew them with the less-sensitive back teeth. During this first week, focus on soft options which require minimal chewing effort:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Soups