Many people worry that braces will hold them back from enjoying the foods, sports, and activities they love, but there are so many things you can do while you have braces! Here’s what you should know about life with braces.

Playing Sports

If you enjoy playing sports and are afraid that you’ll have to stop while you have braces, this is rarely the case! Many people who have braces continue to play, and excel, at their favorite sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Just remember that safety comes first, so it’s a good idea to wear a mouthguard.

Mouthguards are thin, flexible, plastic protective devices that fit over your teeth and braces to protect them in case of impact with another player, ball, stick, racket, or in the event of a fall. While wearing a mouthguard is extra important when you have braces to protect your lips and cheeks from abrasions and cuts, it’s important to wear a mouthguard when playing risky sports whether you have braces or not if you want to protect your teeth from getting chipped, broken, or knocked out.

Playing an Instrument

Another of the many things you can do while you have braces is play an instrument or sing! If you play a wind instrument or you’re a singer, it can take some practice to readjust to the feel of braces in your mouth, but you’ll soon get the hang of it and likely forget they are even there. It’s not uncommon for our patients to learn to sing or play their chosen instrument with braces so that they feel confident performing in recitals, concerts, and other special events.

Eating Favorite Foods

If you’ve heard that you might not be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you have braces, that’s true. You may need to say no to chewy, sticky, or crunchy foods sometimes to avoid pulling a wire or bracket loose on your braces.

This can be tough, but when you feel discouraged, it can be helpful to focus instead on all the things you can do while you have braces (or in this case, the things you can eat). There are many more foods that are safe to eat while you have braces than there are foods that you’ll need to avoid. Who knows? You might even discover your new favorite food while you have braces by branching out and trying something new.

Either way, remember that braces are only temporary and it will all be worth it in the end when you get your braces off and get to enjoy your amazing new smile for many years to come.

Call our Indianapolis, IN, orthodontics office, to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.