Braces 101
When it comes to orthodontic care, traditional braces remain a highly trusted option. They have a long history of successfully treating a wide range of dental issues. With advancements in technology and materials, today’s braces are more refined—they’re smaller, more comfortable, and just as effective at aligning teeth as ever.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used type of orthodontic treatment. Known for their reliability and effectiveness, these robust appliances have a proven track record of delivering successful results and efficiently tackling a wide range of dental issues.
Brackets are typically made from a durable mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals, ensuring their longevity. They come with small hooks or doors that allow the wire to be threaded through. To secure a bracket, the door can either be closed or an elastic band can be placed over the wire.
Clear Braces
Ceramic braces, often referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, operate just like traditional metal braces.
Designed with aesthetics in mind, these braces are now smaller and made from nearly transparent polycrystalline ceramic. While not completely invisible, they are far less noticeable than metal braces, blending well with your natural smile.
Clear brackets are made from a durable ceramic material, making ceramic braces an excellent choice for those who want the effectiveness of traditional metal braces while enjoying a more discreet appearance.
Eating with Braces
No need to worry—you’ll be savoring popcorn and potato chips again soon! For now, just remember to be mindful and steer clear of foods that could damage your braces.
Foods to Avoid with Braces:
- Chewy items: bagels, licorice
- Crunchy items: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky items: caramel, gum
- Hard items: nuts, hard candies
- Foods that need biting into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods You CAN Eat with Braces:
- Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based beverages
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains: pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Meats/Poultry: tender chicken, meatballs, deli meats
- Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats: ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cakes
Dealing with Soreness from Braces
When you first get braces, it’s common to feel some tenderness or discomfort in your mouth. This sensation will fade as your mouth adjusts. To alleviate the discomfort, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle with this solution for a few minutes (but be sure not to swallow it).
If the discomfort is severe and continues after rinsing, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. It’s also normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to feel irritated for a week or two as they adjust to the braces. We can provide you with wax to apply over the braces to help minimize irritation. If you’d like some wax, just let us know!
