Living Well with Braces
There are many items of information that can be found on the San Antonio Area Orthodontics website that will help you live more comfortably with braces. There are two components to an orthodontic treatment cycle, the active part and the retention part. During the active part, care must be taken to protect the orthodontic appliance against damage, and this mainly comes down to what foods are eaten as well as general cooperation.
The retention part is equally important because the retainers help maintain the orthodontic treatment correction, and they must be protected against breakage or loss. Read the following information that pertains to active orthodontic treatment and retention.
What Foods Can Be Eaten While Wearing Braces?
For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. There will always be a need to protect the orthodontic appliances by avoiding gum, ice, or sticky food. Use common sense; protect the braces for as long as they are worn. 
Foods to Avoid
Chewy Foods
Bagels
Hard Rolls
Licorice
Hard Foods
Nuts
Candy
Crunchy Foods
Popcorn
Ice
Chips
Foods That Have to Be Bitten Into
Corn on the Cob
Apples
Carrots
Sticky Foods
Caramels
Gum
*Also Avoid Pens, Pencils, and Fingernails
Contact our Dentist-Orthodontist in San Antonio, Texas, today to find out how best to live with orthodontic care appliances.
All About Retainers
Keep retainers away from napkins, hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, and the washing machine
Wear the retainers full-time, except when eating or playing sports, unless Dr. Rose or Dr. Malik instructs otherwise.
Remove the retainers when eating and always put retainers in their case (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants).
Remove retainers when swimming.
Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm, not hot, water. Brushing retainers removes plaque and eliminates odors. Donna, Karen, Maria, or Randa can recommend special orthodontic retainer cleaner that can be used, but the retainer cleaner does not take the place of brushing.
When retainers are not in the mouth, they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
Initially, some patients may find it difficult to speak; practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately.
If there are questions or concerns about the retainers, or if the retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them.
Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
Retainer replacement is expensive, please take care of them.
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