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What foods should I avoid?
Stay away from hard, sticky, gooey or crunchy foods. If food is too hard, it could cause some of your braces to loosen, bend or break. Hard, nutritious food like vegetables and fruits should be cut and sectioned before eating.
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Can I still chew gum with braces?
Gum is not a good idea during orthodontic treatment because it can stick to your braces. In addition, the sugar in most gums can cause cavities. However, ask your orthodontist if non-stick, sugar free gum is an option.
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Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment and there may be the need to use a "brace cover" (this could be a lump of soft wax) for a while.
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Can I play sports?
Yes! However, plan to wear an orthodontic mouth guard for protection.
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Do I need to brush more with braces?
With braces you will need to practice diligent oral hygiene since the braces and wires attract more food. Plan to brush with fluoridated toothpaste after every meal and a fluoride gel before you go to bed. Flossing, or other means of cleaning between the teeth/braces, can be important to remove trapped food.
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Do I need to do anything special the first week or so?
Yes, while you're getting used to the braces, eat softer foods. Most importantly, spend more time cleaning your teeth and braces.
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