Whether it’s braces or clear aligners, orthodontic treatment is always worth your investment. Not only does it straighten your smile, it also strengthens your self-esteem and improves your oral health. However, your treatment journey doesn’t stop at monitoring your smile’s progress or scheduling regular appointments with Dr. Feil. Feil Orthodontics has locations in Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah. Our team members at any location can help you learn how your diet affects orthodontic treatment. This guide will help you make better food choices and maintain good oral from start to finish.
Shielding Your Smile And Armoring Your Appliances
Food can either hurt you or help you during orthodontic treatment. That’s why Dr. Feil and our expert team always advise you to be mindful of your diet. Whether you’re getting clear aligners, clear braces, or traditional metal braces, we’ll break down which foods are safe to eat and the ones you should avoid while undergoing treatment.
Metal Braces and Clear Braces
These appliances exert gentle pressure to nudge your teeth into alignment. While this discomfort subsides within days, our Feil Orthodontics team recommends consuming braces-friendly food:
- Pasta
- Soft fruits and vegetables
- Seafood
- Oatmeal
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
These foods are not only healthy, they’re also easy on your teeth and braces. On the other hand, it’s best to avoid (or minimize) consuming these foods that are definitely not good for braces:
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Hard bread and crackers
- Chips
- Uncooked fruits and vegetables
- Pizza crust
The above food choices could damage your braces or bend the archwire that’s attached to your brackets. Of course, Dr. Feil also wants you to keep drinks in mind. You might not think it, but beverages can hold up your treatment progress, too! Just like food, they may cause tooth decay, delay your treatment — and if you’re wearing clear braces — stain your tooth-colored brackets. Here’s a list of beverages we suggest you stay away from:
- Dark soda
- Energy and sports drinks
- High-sugar fruit juice
- Red wine
- Coffee
Clear Aligners
Removable, nearly invisible, and customizes for you, clear aligners are a modern alternative to conventional braces. While clear aligner trays offer you foodie freedom, our Feil Orthodontics team doesn’t recommend eating with aligners. Always take out your aligners to eat, drink, brush or floss! For many of our clear aligners patients in Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah, nothing beats H2O.
Of course, we understand the temptation to gulp down a can of soda or sip a glass of wine. If you do it occasionally, it’s okay as long as you take out your clear aligners first. However, regular consumption of sugar, acidic, or alcoholic drinks causes cavities, tooth enamel erosion, and staining. For all that, you might as well not even wear your aligners (that’s a joke; please wear your aligners!).
Encourages Better Oral Health
Ever heard the saying, “Muscles aren’t made in the gym. They’re made in the kitchen?” The same principle applies to your teeth. Eating a balanced, vitamin-rich diet is essential to maintaining good oral health during treatment. Here are five essential vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth.
Calcium
All of the bones in your body are made of calcium, and so are your teeth. Calcium strengthens your enamel and protects your precious smile from cavities. As a rule of thumb, Dr. Feil recommends consuming 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg of calcium each day. To help you reach this amount, consider adding these calcium-dense foods to your diet:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Milk and other dairy products
- Almonds
- Canned fish
- Tofu
Phosphorus
Phosphorus works hand-in-hand with calcium to maintain the strength of your teeth and bones. It also encourages tooth enamel repair, which can make your treatment more successful. Some examples of phosphorus-rich foods include:
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Soy
- Chicken and turkey breast
- Lentils
Iron
When you think of iron, you probably think of red blood cell production and how it benefits your immune system. Interestingly, this mineral also plays a role in your braces and clear aligner treatment. It safeguards your smile from inflammation and sores. To get adequate iron, our team recommends the following:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Poultry
- Tofu
- Organ meats
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is commonly associated with the immune system. But did you know it’s also good for your teeth and gums? Vitamin C makes your gums stronger and reduces gum disease (also known as periodontitis).
It does an excellent job of healing your smile’s soft tissues. As a result, you’re less likely to experience prolonged discomfort from sores and irritation. With plenty of vitamin C, you’ll notice that your treatment is more enjoyable and comfortable.
Below are some foods rich in vitamin C:
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Leafy green vegetables
- Dairy products
Vitamin D
Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and tooth mineralization. Plus, it protects your smile from tooth decay and gum disease (yuck!). While you can get lots of vitamin D from the sun, don’t forget that you can get it from these foods:
- Milk
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Eggs
- Cod liver oil
- Canned tuna
A Solid Diet for a Super Smile With Dr. Feil
Orthodontic treatment entails a lifestyle change, and that includes consuming healthier food. By being conscious of what you eat or drink, you will reap the benefits of your orthodontic treatment. Ready to take the first step of your smile journey with Feil Orthodontics? Dr. Feil and our team will be happy to meet you and your family for a free consultation at our Bismarck, Mandan, or Beulah office.