Braces are used by those who do not have naturally straight teeth. They can be used to straighten teeth, correct bite problems, close gaps between teeth, and align lips and teeth properly. Most people who receive orthodontic care are kids, but adults get braces, too. In young children, orthodontic treatment may guide proper jaw growth. This can help permanent teeth to come in properly. Straight permanent teeth can help prevent tooth problems later on.

1. Fitango Education
Health Topics
Braces
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2. Overview
Braces are used by those who do not
have naturally straight teeth. They can be used to
straighten teeth, correct bite problems, close gaps
between teeth, and align lips and teeth properly.
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3. Overview
Most people who receive orthodontic care are
kids, but adults get braces, too. In young children,
orthodontic treatment may guide proper jaw
growth. This can help permanent teeth to come in
properly. Straight permanent teeth can help
prevent tooth problems later on.
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4. Treatment
Treatment of troublesome teeth occurs in 2
phases: the active phase and the retention phase.
**The Active Phase**
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5. Treatment
The active phase calls for braces to move the teeth
into proper alignment and correct the bite. Braces
straighten teeth by putting steady pressure on
them for a prolonged period of time. Most people
just need regular braces with wires and rubber
bands to keep pressure on the teeth. The wires
on braces help to move your teeth, and the rubber
bands help to correct the alignment.
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6. Treatment
If your teeth are more troublesome, you may have
to wear headgear in the evening or to bed.
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7. Dos and Dont's
Because braces are delicate, foods that are sticky,
chewy, and hard should be avoided or eaten only
in moderation. These foods include:
-- ice
-- nuts
-- popcorn
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8. Dos and Dont's
-- gum
-- chewy candy like caramel or Gummi bears and
hard candy like Jawbreakers and Jolly Ranchers
-- whole hard fruit like apples and pears and hard,
raw veggies like carrots
-- corn on the cob
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9. Dos and Dont's
-- hard pretzels
-- peanut brittle
-- pizza crust, hard rolls, and bagels
-- ribs
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10. Dos and Dont's
Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime
for breaking braces. You can get around this by
cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib
meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping
carrots into small, bite-size pieces.
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11. Dos and Dont's
You may also experience problems eating after
your braces are tightened–teeth may feel sore. The
first few days are the worst, so try eating softer
foods like those listed below until the soreness
passes:
-- scrambled eggs
-- oatmeal
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12. Dos and Dont's
-- soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream
soups
-- soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
-- smoothies and milkshakes
-- pudding and custard
-- meatloaf
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13. Dos and Dont's
-- mashed potatoes
-- sorbet and frozen yogurt
-- tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming)
-- soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat
-- tofu
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14. Dos and Dont's
-- ripe fruits, such as peaches and nectarines, cut
into bite-size pieces
-- couscous, quinoa, bulgur, soft-cooked rice
-- pasta and noodles, macaroni and cheese
-- peanut butter
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15. Dos and Dont's
-- chicken or tuna salad
-- refried beans
-- applesauce
-- pancakes and soft bread
-- saltines and matzoh
-- cooked veggies
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16. Dos and Dont's
-- hummus
-- canned or cooked fruit
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