The first weeks or months in braces can be frustrating because you can’t eat some of the normal food you enjoy. And once your teeth stop hurting, the pain may return for a few days when you get an adjustment, putting you back on a soft food diet. Some of the suggestions on this page will help you deal with those painful days.
Remember that whatever you eat, cut it into small pieces and chew carefully and slowly. Don’t expect to be able to chew normally. You will need to adapt your chewing to your new situation — and that could evolve as your teeth begin to shift into their new positions. Foods that require you to bite into them (burritos, quesadillas, hamburgers, sandwiches) will now require you to bite with the sides of your mouth (or cut them with a knife and fork instead). Avoid foods that become stringy because they will get stuck in your braces and might choke you. Also be aware that foods with small particles, such as rice, could get stuck in your brackets. You will learn what you can and can’t eat as time goes on. Just be patient and allow plenty of time for your meal.
To get more protein into your diet, try adding protein powder or tofu to some of your meals or drinks. There are plenty of high protein drinks available these days to suit almost any diet, whether you prefer to eat Vegan, low carb, or low fat.
Thanks to the following ArchWired readers for helping to contribute to this page: Mary, Jet, Gary, Christina, Kevin, Lorena, Wanda, Terrel, Jes, Wanita, David S., and anyone else I may have inadvertently overlooked.
This section will continue evolving. If you have suggestions, please email me and I will include them!
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