Braces Melbourne

When you have braces, it’s important to be careful about the foods you eat to avoid damaging the brackets, wires, or other components of your braces. Here are some foods that should be avoided:

1. Sticky or chewy foods: Foods such as chewing gum, caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can stick to your braces and be difficult to clean off, potentially causing damage to the brackets or wires.
2. Hard and crunchy foods: Foods like hard candies, nuts, popcorn, and ice can put pressure on your braces and cause them to break or pop off.
3. Tough meats: Tough meats such as steak, beef jerky, and pork chops can be difficult to chew and may damage your braces.
4. Sugary and starchy foods: Sugary and starchy foods such as cake, cookies, and potato chips can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Foods you bite into with your front teeth: Foods such as apples, carrots, and corn on the cob should be cut into small pieces before eating to avoid putting pressure on the brackets and wires.

It’s important to follow our orthodontist’s instructions regarding diet and oral hygiene while you have braces to ensure that your treatment is successful, and your teeth stay healthy.

While traditional braces might cause some initial discomfort and minor challenges, the process is temporary and leads to incredible benefits in the long run. The discomfort you might feel during the adjustment period is a sign that your teeth are getting properly aligned, which will result in a beautiful smile and improved oral health. As your teeth gradually move into their ideal positions, any temporary discomfort will fade, leaving you with the confidence of straighter teeth and a healthier bite. Remember that your orthodontist is there to support you throughout the process, and the end result will be well worth any temporary discomfort you might experience.

To care for traditional braces, brush your teeth after meals and before bed, pay attention to brackets and wires, floss daily with specialised tools, apply orthodontic wax if needed, avoid sticky and hard foods, attend regular orthodontic appointments, stay hydrated, use a mouthguard for sports, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for optimal care, ensuring effective treatment and maintaining oral health.

The duration it takes for traditional braces to straighten teeth varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the misalignment, the age of the patient, the specific treatment plan, and how well the patient follows orthodontic instructions. In general, the average treatment time for traditional braces ranges from 18 months to 3 years. Some cases might take shorter periods, especially for mild misalignments, while more complex cases could extend beyond the average range. Regular orthodontic check-ups and adjustments are crucial to ensuring the treatment progresses as planned. Your orthodontist will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation during the initial consultation.