Choosing the correct braces for your child depends on concerns such as allergies, aesthetics, and cost among others. Dr. Dixon will work directly with you and your child to help you figure out what you and your child. After all – she is the one who will be wearing it for at least two years.
Available Braces
- Braces technology has advanced greatly over time. Your choices include:
- Metal wired braces – Children with nickel allergies will have other choices available
- Ceramic wired braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear alignersWearing braces will be short-term so you’ll want to get the most out of them. While wearing your braces, you’ll be avoiding or cutting hard foods such as raw vegetables, croutons, and corn on the cob that can break or damage the braces.
The main foods you will be taking a break from eating are:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- Sticky and hard candy
- Gum
- Ice
- Corn chips
- Pretzels
- Hard cookies or crackers
- Sticky or hard chocolate
Some foods you will continue to enjoy while wearing your braces include:
- Soft fruits – like bananas, kiwis, oranges
- steamed vegetables – like cauliflower, spinach, broccoli
- Dairy products – like yogurt and cheese
- Soft meats
- Seafood
- Soft treats such as pudding, applesauce, jello, ice-cream etc.
- Soft grains and pastas
- Soft breads
- Soups
- Beans among others.
Mouth Guards to Protect Braces
If your child plays sports, we will consult with you on how to protect his/her braces with a mouth guard. Remember that even activities like biking, rollerblading or playing a pickup game of football or basketball can be a risk, so wear a mouth guard for these types of activities, as well. If you have an emergency and suspect that your braces might have been damaged or shifted out of place, please contact our office immediately.