Foods You Can’t Eat with Braces

What to Eat & What to Avoid

While you go through the process of aligning your teeth with braces, you need to consider what you eat to avoid any potential problems. Brackets and wires can be dislodged with something sticky, while certain foods may get stuck in your braces, creating tooth decay. Whether you want to maintain your braces or keep your teeth in pristine shape, we recommend avoiding common food pitfalls.

Take a look at just some examples of foods you can’t eat with braces.

Hard Food

Enough force can cause your braces to break, so hard food is a no-go. Carrots and other raw veggies, hard candy, ice, hard cookies, and other hard foods should be avoided.

Sticky Food

Probably the most well-known entry on the no-no list is sticky candy. Caramel, taffy, and gum can create major problems for your braces, not to mention getting stuck on your teeth and creating cavities.

Crunchy Food

Unfortunately, even crunchy food can disrupt your braces. Snacks like hard pretzels and popcorn should be avoided, and even then you should also stay away from nuts and many types of chips.

Other Food

Certain foods are just hard to bite into with braces, especially foods that require you to bite down with your front teeth. Corn on the cob, chicken wings, bagels, beef jerky, and apples are at the top of that list. Pizza crust and large pieces of meat should also be avoided.

The list of items to avoid eating may seem daunting, but there is plenty you can eat while you have braces! Pasta, potatoes, soft breads, most fruits, and cooked (soft) veggies are all safe to enjoy. And, of course, most dairy products are easy to eat with braces and will cause no issues, so continue eating yogurt and cheese. Lastly, if you do want to eat candy, just make sure it’s not hard or sticky, and be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterward.

Taking care of your teeth and braces doesn’t have to be a worry. Just plan ahead and think twice before you bite down on anything hard, sticky, or crunchy. And if you have any issues with loose or broken braces, just give us a call at Adirondack Orthodontics.

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Types of Invisalign

Find Out Which Type of Invisalign Will Work Best for You

By now, you’ve probably heard about Invisalign, the modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to help you get the smile you want. But what you may not have known is that there are several different types of Invisalign. Your age, the condition of your teeth, and the types of problems you’re facing are all factors that you should consider as you decide which type of Invisalign you’d like to use for your treatment.

Take a look below at the different types of Invisalign to get a better idea of which treatment may be right for you. And when you want to find out for sure, turn to the orthodontic experts providing Invisalign throughout the Capital Region: Adirondack Orthodontics!

Invisalign Lite

With a treatment duration of six to seven months, Invisalign Lite is usually recommended to patients who have mild to moderate problems like overcrowding and alignment issues. If you have a crown or if you want to correct a minor issue, Invisalign Lite may be the right choice for you.

Invisalign Teen

Designed for young adults (teens) whose teeth are still developing, Invisalign Teen aligners come with indicator dots to notify the wearer of when to change the aligner. Candidates for this type of Invisalign may need help with straightening their teeth while setting aside room for teeth that have yet to erupt.

Invisalign i7

Invisalign i7 is the treatment usually chosen for overcrowding. Seven aligners are used over the course of three to six months to correct this kind of mild orthodontic issue.

Invisalign Full

Known for treating more advanced orthodontic issues, Invisalign Full generally takes around 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the problems. This type of treatment is usually chosen by adults who need aligners for their upper and lower teeth.

No matter the severity of your overcrowding or misalignment or how far you are from your ideal smile, Invisalign has a comfortable, discreet option you can choose to get the perfect smile. As always, your team at Adirondack Orthodontics would be happy to provide a full clinical examination and help you decide which treatment to choose. We can even go over the cost and financing information so you can make a plan to achieve the straight, beautiful, and healthy smile you’ve always wanted!

Schedule your free Invisalign consultation today!

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The Relationship Between Orthodontists & Dentists

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Dentists and orthodontists both contribute to good oral health; each specialist plays a different role in maintaining a patient’s smile. Many prospective patients ask us if they need a referral for our services and if an orthodontist can take the place of a dentist. We encourage you to read on to find out the answers to these commonly asked questions.

The Relationship Between Dentists & Orthodontists

While dentists handle things like routine cleanings, tooth extractions, crowns, and fillings, orthodontists are chiefly concerned with correcting misalignments in the teeth and jaws. Both play an essential role in a person’s oral health, and one cannot replace the other.

Orthodontists rely on dentists to identify teeth and jaw issues so that their patients can seek orthodontic care when needed. Since most people see their dentists regularly, dentists are often the first to notice more complex issues like overbites and underbites, which then are handled by an orthodontist. Furthermore, once you begin your orthodontic treatment, there may be issues that arise that your orthodontist will then refer to your dentist. This reciprocal relationship ensures that patients get the best possible care from the professional best positioned to provide it.

No Referral Required

Many dentists have professional relationships with local orthodontists, and your dentist may recommend a specific orthodontist they trust above others. In the Capital Region, dentists often recommend us to their patients due to our reputation for incredible patient care. If your dentist suggests that you come to us, we would be happy to add you as a patient.

However, it’s important to note that a recommendation isn’t the same thing as a referral, and neither is required to become a patient of ours. Even if your dentist hasn’t recommended a specific orthodontist by name, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics can still serve you! All you have to do is schedule an appointment at your nearest location so that we can get to know you and your needs.

Call Us to Learn More

Turn to the orthodontist trusted by dentists throughout Albany, NY; Clifton Park, NY; East Greenbush, NY; Glens Falls, NY; and Latham, NY: Adirondack Orthodontics! We can get you started with a free consultation and tell you more about the many ways we can tailor our services to meet your needs. New patients are encouraged to visit this page to get a better idea of what to expect on their first visit. We look forward to seeing you.

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