Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods
Chewy or sticky candy like chewing gum, taffy, licorice, and caramels should be avoided. Hard and crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice are also not recommended with a palate expander.
Is it OK to eat popcorn with braces?
The biggest reason why you should avoid eating popcorn when you have braces comes down to the hulls of the corn. Popped corn hulls are the leftover parts of corn seeds, which get hard and stay in popcorn kernels after the popcorn is popped. These hulls can easily become trapped in between your braces and your teeth.
Can you eat pizza with expanders?
The pizza part is ok. HARD PRETZELS, HARD ROLLS, BAGELS: They bend wires and break brackets. DORITOS, HARD TACOS, CHEETOS and the LIKE: They are too crunchy! APPLES: Slices are okay, just don’t bite directly into the whole apple.
What happens if you get food stuck in your expander?
Food particles can get stuck under the expander, so ask your dentist for advice. Such recommendations could include a special syringe with water to flush out debris. There is also a flexible palate cleaner that fits under the expander and can push out food particles.
What happens if you turn your expander too much?
The expander, when activated or turned, can cause some slight discomfort and tenderness near the bridge of the nose and cheekbones. To relieve any discomfort, Dr. Stormberg recommends over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (preferred choice) or acetaminophen.
How long does it take to get used to an expander?
It make take up to one week to adjust to an expander. Your child may feel some pressure on the roof of the mouth and on the molar teeth. Your child may also complain that it feels funny to swallow as his or her tongue must adjust to the new appliance. Spacing may occur between the front teeth as the upper jaw widens.
What kind of popcorn is safe for braces?
It’s true, regular popcorn kernels are hard and can damage the braces or even get stuck under the gums and cause an infection. However, hulless popcorn is made from a smaller kernel which is more tender and safer for braces and teeth.
What popcorn is good for braces?
If you feel you can’t live without popcorn, “hulless” popcorn is safer for people with braces. Note that “hulless” popcorn still has a hull; it’s just smaller and softer.
What foods are off limits with braces?
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice.
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice.
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum.
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies.
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots.
Do expanders break your jaw?
A Palatal Expander Widens the Jaw
A palatal expander allows more space for future teeth to grow into, creates a more aesthetically pleasing smile and better aligns the upper and lower teeth. Contrary to the myth, a palatal expander does not break the upper jaw bone.
How do you swallow food with an expander?
When you first have the expander placed, your mouth may produce more saliva. If this occurs, make a conscious effort to swallow normally by closing your lips and pushing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth. Dry not to “slurp” as it will drive your family crazy!
Does getting an expander off hurt?
Will it hurt to take out a mouth expander? Most kids are scared of that appointment, not knowing what to expect. Even though the expander is glued in place, your orthodontist has special instruments to dislodge and remove your expander without major discomfort.
How do you clean under Expander?
In addition, plaque loves to get caught underneath the plastic in the roof of your mouth (palate). To clean expanders, brush around the bands, plastic, and support arms of your expander, and along the gumline. Additionally, use a proxibrush every time you brush to get into the small, narrow areas.
How long do expanders stay in before braces?
Most orthodontists will leave a palate expander in for at least 6 months. Some doctors will remove the expander at 6 months and replace it with a smaller appliance to hold the expansion such as trans-palatal arch or a removable acrylic retainer.
Does everyone get a gap with an expander?
Does Everyone Get a Gap With an Expander? It is common for a gap to form. Yet, rarely will the size of the gap between the teeth ever get as large as the distance between the two sides of the orthodontic expander because the teeth start moving back together even before expansion is complete.
What happens if I forget to turn my expander one day?
Missing an adjustment may lengthen the time required for expansion. If for some reason you do miss an adjustment, it is very important that you DO NOT turn the appliance two turns the following day in an effort to ‘catch up’. Instead, simply resume turning it as instructed above each time.
Does an expander change face shape?
Does Palatal Expander Change Face Shape? Palate expander will not make your face wider. However, if you have a facial asymmetry associated with posterior dental cross bite, then palatal expander can improve your facial asymmetry.
How much do expanders cost?
Cost. Traditionally the price range of a palate expander treatment plan falls around $2,000 – $3,000 minimum. Nevertheless, the total cost varies according to where you live, who your orthodontist is, and whether or not you’re covered by insurance.
How do you make expanders hurt less?
However, if you feel any minor initial sensitivity a few hours after an expander is placed, Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) in regular doses can alleviate the discomfort. It is exceptionally crucial to clean your expander, using the hygiene kit and instructions provided.
How long do you have a lisp with expander?
When most patients start out with an orthodontic expander, they have a slight lisp as they get used to the device. The lisp usually goes away for most patients, who start talking as they did before once their tongues adapt. Because the expander sits in the roof of the mouth, the tongue has to learn to move around it.
Do you get a lisp with expanders?
Expanders can feel a bit awkward when speaking or talking at first. Some kids lisp or drool a bit until they grow more accustomed to wearing the devices. With time and practice, it’ll get easier.
How do you get popcorn off your braces?
The best way to get popcorn out of your teeth and gums is to floss. Don’t be too aggressive with the floss or you can push the popcorn hull down deeper into the gums. Use gentle motions, positioning the floss between the teeth where the popcorn is stuck.
Can you eat Doritos with braces?
Any type of hard and crunchy food is something you will want to avoid while wearing your braces. Chips like Fritos, Doritos, Tostitos, Cheetos, Takis, as well as pretzels and other hard breads are foods that can not only damage your wire, but also cause your brackets to break.
Can you eat with an expander?
You can eat any time after leaving the office. However, remember the list of foods that may be harmful to expanders. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new expanders, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of all soft foods.
How do you swallow food with an expander?
When you first have the expander placed, your mouth may produce more saliva. If this occurs, make a conscious effort to swallow normally by closing your lips and pushing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth. Dry not to “slurp” as it will drive your family crazy!
