Braces are a common orthodontic treatment that gradually straightens teeth and corrects bite issues. The process involves bonding brackets and wires to the teeth, which introduces new hardware and requires a period of adjustment. During this initial phase, the teeth and gums are sensitive because the braces exert gentle pressure to shift the teeth. Therefore, foods requiring typical chewing must be avoided to prevent discomfort and protect the new appliance.
The Immediate Post-Installation Timeline
Returning to a chewing-based diet is a gradual process dependent on the patient’s pain tolerance. Soreness peaks during the first 24 to 48 hours, requiring the diet to be restricted to liquids and extra-soft, pureed foods that require minimal chewing. Discomfort typically subsides after two to three days, allowing patients to cautiously introduce soft, easily mashed foods by the third to fifth day. Most patients can return to a broader range of foods requiring chewing about one week after placement, once the initial soreness has largely dissipated.
Defining Acceptable Soft Foods
The purpose of a soft food diet during the initial adjustment is to minimize pressure on sensitive teeth and protect the new hardware. Acceptable soft foods require minimal effort, often consumed by mashing them against the palate. This temporary diet helps prevent pain and allows the teeth to adjust to the pressure from the archwire. Excellent options provide necessary nutrients without taxing the teeth:
- Creamy foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
- Soft grains, such as oatmeal, soft-cooked pasta, and rice.
- Gentle fruits, including applesauce, bananas, and soft-peeled peaches.
- Nutrient-dense vegetables cooked until very tender or steamed.
Long-Term Foods to Avoid
While the initial soft-food diet is temporary, certain foods must be avoided for the entire duration of orthodontic treatment, which can last from one to three years. These restrictions prevent damage to delicate components like brackets and wires. Damage can lead to emergency visits, extended treatment time, and additional repair costs. Foods are categorized into three groups based on the type of damage they cause:
Hard Foods
Hard foods, such as nuts, hard candies, and ice, can cause brackets to break off the tooth surface or bend the archwires.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods, including caramel, taffy, and chewing gum, pose a risk because they can pull the brackets directly off the teeth or become entangled in the wires.
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, and hard pizza crusts can bend the wires or cause small, hard pieces to get lodged painfully between the braces and the gums.
Practical Tips for Eating with New Braces
Changing the way you eat is important for managing discomfort and protecting the appliance, even when consuming acceptable foods. Use a knife and fork to cut food into small, bite-sized pieces, removing the need to bite directly with sensitive front teeth. Patients should focus on chewing with their back teeth, as molars are better equipped to handle the pressure and minimize the risk of damaging front brackets. If a bracket or wire causes irritation, place a small piece of orthodontic wax over the sharp area to provide a temporary, smooth barrier.