Getting new braces is a significant step toward a healthier smile, but it often causes anxiety about immediate post-procedure care, especially concerning mealtimes. The initial 24 to 48 hours following the bonding of brackets and wires are a critical adjustment phase for both the patient and the appliance. Managing this period carefully prevents damage to the new hardware and minimizes discomfort. This guidance focuses on practical steps and dietary choices to successfully navigate the first few days with new orthodontic appliances.
Eating Timeline Immediately After Installation
While the bonding adhesive used to secure the brackets sets quickly, it can take up to 24 hours to achieve its full strength. For this reason, it is advisable to postpone eating for a short time following the procedure. A more immediate constraint on eating is the potential use of local anesthetics during the appointment.
Dental numbing agents, such as Lidocaine, often cause numbness that can last between two and four hours. Attempting to chew while the mouth, lips, or tongue are numb can lead to accidental biting and injury to the soft tissues. It is recommended to wait until full sensation has returned before consuming any food. This waiting period allows the bonding material to cure further and ensures you can safely control your jaw movements while chewing.
Recommended Soft Foods and Liquids
The first few days require a diet focused on foods that demand minimal chewing to accommodate tenderness and protect the newly placed braces. Liquids and semi-solids are excellent choices because they bypass the need for mastication. Smoothies, milkshakes, and soups provide nutrition without putting pressure on the teeth.
Soft, prepared foods are also suitable for the adjustment period. Examples include mashed potatoes, yogurt, soft-cooked rice, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, and soft cheeses. The key is to select items that can be easily crushed between the tongue and the roof of the mouth or require only light use of the back teeth.
Any food that requires chewing should be cut into very small, manageable pieces before being placed in the mouth. This technique helps ensure that the back teeth are used for grinding, minimizing stress on the front teeth and newly bonded brackets.
Foods That Pose a Threat to Braces
Certain foods must be avoided because they introduce mechanical forces that can compromise the integrity of the orthodontic appliance. Prohibited items are categorized by the specific type of damage they cause. Hard or crunchy foods present a direct risk of breaking the brackets off the tooth surface or snapping the archwire.
This category includes items like ice, nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and crusty breads. The impact force required to chew these items can exceed the bond strength of the adhesive.
Sticky and chewy foods pose a different mechanical risk. Caramels, taffy, chewing gum, and similar items cling to the metal and exert a continuous, pulling force. This force can peel the brackets away from the tooth or bend the wires out of their prescribed shape, disrupting the treatment plan.
Foods that require biting or tearing with the front teeth must also be avoided. Biting into a whole apple, corn on the cob, or a carrot creates an intense leverage force against the front brackets, increasing the likelihood of appliance failure.
Dealing with Discomfort During Meals
The soreness and tenderness that follow braces placement result from the gentle pressure exerted on the teeth to initiate movement. This discomfort, which typically peaks in the first few days, can make eating even soft foods a challenge. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, approximately 30 minutes before a meal can help mitigate the sensitivity.
If a bracket or wire is causing irritation to the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax directly to the hardware. The wax creates a smooth barrier, allowing the irritated tissue to heal. Rinsing the mouth with a solution of warm salt water can also help soothe tender gums and any small mouth sores that develop from the initial friction of the new braces.