18/05/2019
The rule of thumb, while undergoing orthodontic treatment, is, that anything that could be hard or sticky must be avoided. However, if treatment is being done with removable braces, the rule does not apply. Braces which are fixed on teeth are stuck with a dental adhesive. The adhesive is supposed to be strong enough to resist fracture, when pressure is applied on the braces with wires, springs & elastics. However, it should not be too strong, so that the braces can be removed with ease, at the completion of orthodontic treatment. The adhesive used for such a purpose is designed to be poor in resisting shear stresses. When hard and sticky food are chewed upon, or, if big bites of food is chewed upon, shear forces are applied on the braces, separating them from the tooth. The right kind of food, while undergoing orthodontic treatment, helps keep the process on track, without any unnecessary delay.
