Living with braces

Embarking on your orthodontic journey is an exciting step. After all, you’re on your way towards a straighter, healthier smile! At Beam Orthodontics, we want to make this journey as smooth and comfortable as it is exciting.

We want you to feel confident taking an active role in the care of your teeth, so you can achieve the very best results from your treatment. That’s why we’re here to help you with our top tips and techniques every step of the way.

Eating with braces

Orthodontic treatment is easier than ever to fit into your lifestyle, but there are a few small things you should consider changing for best results. After your brace fitting and adjustment, your teeth will feel a little tender and sore. During this time, we suggest you eat softer foods, such as:

Scrambled eggs
Soup
Porridge or overnight oats (minus any seeds and berries)
Mashed potatoes
Macaroni and cheese
Yoghurt

The rest of the time you can eat a normal diet, but you should avoid:

Corn on the cob – cut the corn off instead
Biting into hard fruits and veg like apples or carrots – grate them instead
Lollies, hard boiled sweets and chewy caramels
Gum
Sugary soft drinks

These foods and beverages risk damaging your braces and the health of your teeth.

Keeping your teeth clean

Good oral hygiene is even more important than usual during orthodontic treatment. We will teach you techniques for brushing and flossing with braces, but here are some guidelines for optimum teeth health during treatment:

Brush your teeth after every meal and snack
Use mouthwash as part of your routine
Use disclosing tablets to identify where plaque may be building up
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your teeth
Attend regular appointments with your dentist, even during orthodontic treatment

It is a little easier to keep your teeth clean if you’re receiving Invisalign® treatment, but it’s still important to brush and floss your teeth after every meal and snack. You’ll also need to clean your aligners too!