How Can You Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with Orthodontic Treatment

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. With braces, it's even more important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. While braces make many foods harder to eat, there are things you can do to ensure you enjoy your holiday meal.

Traditional Braces

For patients who choose traditional metal braces, we recommend brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal before putting your orthodontics back in. Plaque and food particles can get stuck in between the brackets and wires of orthodontic appliances, and the leftover food will rot and cause bad breath over time. If you eat sticky foods or candy, be sure to brush and rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible to avoid cavities! If plaque isn't removed daily, it could potentially lead to gum disease and tooth decay. 

While you're wearing your braces, be sure to avoid the following foods for the sake of your oral health as well as your orthodontic treatment:

Hard candies: The sugar in these treats can easily get stuck on your brackets and wires, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities as well as prolong the amount of time it takes to adjust your treatment.

Sticky or hard foods: Foods like nuts can get stuck to your metal brackets and wires and can be difficult to remove, increasing the risk of damage to your orthodontic appliances.

Certain fruits: Any sticky fruit, such as peaches or apples, can get stuck in your braces and cause a buildup of plaque on your teeth, increasing your risk for cavities.

By sticking to a healthy diet throughout your treatment, though, you can enjoy all your favorite holiday foods without damaging your braces or your teeth! And no matter what you're into this holiday season, you'll be able to do it with a smile, thanks to your braces in Carlsbad, CA.

Invisalign

Fortunately, Invisalign aligners provide a convenient solution that doesn't require you to miss out on your favorite Thanksgiving foods! Simply remove your aligners before eating, and bring them out again once you're done. No need to worry about food getting stuck in your brackets or wires either since there's nothing external to interfere with this removable and comfortable orthodontic option. But make sure to clean your teeth properly and also clean your aligners before placing them back in your mouth. Happy holidays!

If you would like to know more about what the treatment entails and what your options are, give us a call at (760) 804-0080 or schedule an online appointment to visit our dental practice in Carlsbad, CA.