Understanding the Link Between Orthodontic Braces and Diet

Posted on February 8, 2021

Orthodontic braces are a great path to a brilliant, straight smile. Of course, getting to that great straight smile does require a little work on your part. One of the biggest complaints heard from brace wearers is about the food restrictions. Traditional braces can require you to change your diet drastically. Many people choose Invisalign to avoid those diet restrictions. The best orthodontist will provide you with options that better meet your lifestyle.

Orthodontic Braces and Managing What You Eat

Baton Rouge patients with traditional braces have discovered some of the unique diet challenges associated with this line of treatment. With traditional orthodontic braces, you face hygiene challenges, as well as dietary restrictions.

There is a list of foods that anyone with traditional orthodontic braces should avoid:

• Chewy or sticky candy: Taffy, anything with caramel, gum, and other confections should be avoided.
• Hard foods that could crack your braces, including popcorn, seeds, and nuts.

Some of the foods to avoid when wearing traditional orthodontic braces are the same foods that you should limit simply for tooth health. For example, sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices are something that everyone should limit.

Take care of your teeth by ensuring that you have a well-balanced diet. Sugary sweets should be kept to a minimum whether you are wearing braces or not. Of course, with traditional braces, the list of what you should avoid for good oral health grows quite a bit.

Invisalign Diet

Invisalign aligners are removed during meals. This means you can eat what you want. You do need to brush after each meal with Invisalign, but that can be a lot easier than avoiding foods that you love altogether.

Invisalign allows you to eat what you want. So long as you clean your teeth, you can pop your tray right back in after your meal. You do not have to worry about consuming foods that are going to get stuck in your braces or damage your braces. However, you do need to be careful of what you drink when you are wearing aligners. Drinks like soda and coffee can stain them.

For many patients, choosing Invisalign is the right choice. You put in minimal effort and you can get great results. The Invisalign braces are less worrisome than traditional orthodontic braces. With all of this said Invisalign may not be right for everyone. Your Baton Rouge orthodontist is the best resource of information about Invisalign and whether it is right for your lifestyle.