Having braces isn’t always fun, especially when it comes to food intake. Most orthodontists tell their patients to avoid sticky snacks or hard candy because these food items can damage brackets and wires. Although there are some limitations on your diet, you still have lots of choices for healthy eating during orthodontic treatment.
Fruits and vegetables are alright. An important part of eating right, most people several servings of both categories each day. Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli, can be tough to bite into, so cutting these foods into bite-size pieces so that back teeth can chew them will prevent any issues. Choosing soft options, like bananas or cooked squash, is another good option.
Go with whole grains. Since most grain products are soft, having braces shouldn’t impact your ability to eat regular breads or cereals. You may want to avoid unground whole grains because the seeds can get stuck in between your brackets.
Get your dairy on. Calcium helps keep your teeth strong, and dairy products are a great source of this mineral. Low fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are soft on your braces too.
Eat more chicken (or beef too). Certain cuts of meat can be tough and difficult to chew when you wear braces. Don’t eat meat straight off the bone, and select lean cuts of fish, beef, and chicken for easier chewing.
Sweet treats you can still enjoy. Although taffy, lifesavers, and gummy bears are temporarily off the menu, feel free to indulge in chocolate or a bowl of ice cream every once in a while.
It’s time to schedule a visit to our Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
A smile can say so many things, from expressing feelings like joy to love to laughter. When you’re unhappy with your smile, however, it can mask your feelings if you’re unwilling to express yourself in that way. The good news is that modern dentistry can transform your smile into one that’s dazzling and beautiful, that you can be proud to show off. Dentists no longer just deal with tooth decay and root canals, but they can perform entire smile makeovers.
What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover means creating a brand new smile for you. It’s similar to going to your hairstylist or makeup artist, who both can alter your appearance to meet your desires. Having your dentist alter your smile may be more time-consuming than those examples, but the results will likely be dramatic and amazing.
What are some smile makeover techniques?
• Teeth whitening – if your teeth are stained or discolored, the first place to start is with teeth whitening. Your dentist can offer tips about a variety of whitening possibilities and the one that might work best for you.
• Veneers – tooth-colored porcelain veneers may be bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can change the shape and color of your teeth that can create a perfect smile and more youthful appearance.
• Gum contouring – if your gums are either too high or too low on your teeth, gum contouring can even out your gum lines. This corrects the appearance that your teeth are too long due to receding gums, or the look that your teeth are too small because your gums are covering more of your teeth than they should.
How do I begin the smile makeover process?
The first step is to see your dentist to discuss your desires and which dental treatments might help you achieve a winning smile. Many improvements are possible with modern technology and equipment, so it’s just a matter of working with your dentist to create your new smile.
