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The aao recommends that children have their first orthodontic visit by age 7

Pediatric Dentists Recommend Two Cleanings/Exams A Year

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Questions & Answers

Life With Braces

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Are there foods I should avoid while wearing braces?

Yes. We recommend that you avoid eating foods that could damage your braces. These include:

  • Chewy foods — such as bagels and licorice
  • Crunchy foods — such as popcorn, ice and chips
  • Sticky foods — such as caramel and chewing gum
  • Hard foods — such as nuts and hard candies
  • Foods that require biting into — such as corn on the cob, raw carrots and uncut apples

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What if I have a loose wire or band?

If your wires and bands become loose, please contact our office so that our orthodontist can adjust or repair your braces. Please also contact us if any part of your braces or appliances break. If possible, bring any broken pieces with you to your appointment. Damaged or loose appliances can increase the length of your treatment, so take good care of your braces and appliances and call to make emergency appointments if needed.

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What if I play a sport or a musical instrument?

Braces will not prevent you from playing sports or musical instruments, though you may need to make adjustments to get used to playing an instrument while wearing braces. We do recommend that you wear an athletic mouth guard during sporting activities.

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How will braces affect my lifestyle?

Braces may cause you to make a few changes in your day-to-day lifestyle. Making small adjustments to your normal habits while wearing braces will help keep your braces functioning properly so that your teeth can continue to move into their proper places. While this may be frustrating, remember that braces are temporary. Orthodontic treatment is an investment into your smile, and after you remove your braces, you can return to your regular habits and with a beautiful new smile.

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Will I need to change what I eat?

Possibly. You should avoid foods that could damage your braces during your treatment. This includes chewy foods, crunchy and hard foods, sticky foods, and foods that require you to bite into them in order to eat. By avoiding these foods, you can prevent your braces from becoming damaged or broken and keep your treatment on track.

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Why is adjusting my lifestyle to braces important?

Taking good care of your braces is key to keeping your treatment on track and your smile progressing as planned. Damage to your braces and other orthodontic appliances will slow down your treatment, causing you to spend more time wearing braces and visiting our office more frequently for repairs and adjustments. Please speak with our team if you have any questions or would like to learn more about life with braces.

Life With Braces

 

You may need to make a few changes to your day-to-day routine when you begin orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontist will discuss any adjustments you need to make before your treatment so that you can learn the best ways to care for your teeth, smile and orthodontic appliances, as well as keeping your treatment on track. Please feel free to contact Pediatric Dentistry and Braces if you have any questions about life with braces or would like to schedule an appointment.

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