If you or a family member just got braces at TrüOrtho, an orthodontist near Clifton, VA, it’s an exciting time, but it can also be, well, a little uncomfortable and even mildly painful. Adding metal brackets to your teeth is going to feel different, and your teeth and gums will probably be tender and sore. It will take a few days for your mouth to adjust, but it will all be worth it in the long run.
New Braces? Here’s What to Eat
While you are adjusting to your new braces from an orthodontist near Clifton, VA, you will probably want to focus on soft foods that still contain all the essential nutrients. While it may be tempting to just have milkshakes all day, a nutritious diet is still best. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Smoothies (add protein powder to make it extra filling)
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Rice
- Ice cream
- Bananas
- Fish
- Apple sauce
- Steamed Vegetables
Anything that can be easily mashed and requires minimal chewing will be your best friend those first few days as your mouth and teeth adjust. As you start to feel better, you can return to most of your normal diet with a few restrictions. Be sure to cut your food into smaller pieces and chew slowly.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
With a little extra care and practice, you can eat ALMOST anything you’d like with braces. However, there are a few restrictions. It’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods like hard candy, nuts, and popcorn. Don’t bite directly into foods like apples and carrots, and cut corn off the cob and meat like ribs or chicken on the bone. Sticky foods are off limits as well, so caramels and gum should be avoided. Your orthodontist near Clifton, VA will give you a full list of foods to avoid, unless of course, you want to visit them even more often than you already will be.
Brushing Your Braces: Tips from an Orthodontist Near Clifton, VA
Not only do you need to be mindful of what you’re eating with braces, but oral hygiene is more important than ever. Food can easily get trapped around your brackets and wires, so brushing after every meal is a must. Flossing can be a bit tricky, but special floss threaders or water flossers can help.
Straighten Your Smile at TrüOrtho: Orthodontist Near Clifton, VA
When you first get braces, you may be wondering how you’re going to make it through the next 1-2 years, but we promise, it gets better. The initial soreness and discomfort are temporary, and your beautiful new smile will be worth it!
Trü Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for all ages. We service patients from our offices in Fairfax, Herndon, Gainesville, and West Springfield. Led by Dr. Sherif Elhady, our dedicated team is passionate about creating a positive and comfortable atmosphere for our patients, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to a confident, healthy smile. Our mission is to treat you like family and provide exceptional care with honesty and integrity. Call 703-44-0100 to schedule your free consultation today!
