Can Wearing Braces Cause Weight Loss? All The Things You Should Know

Elizabeth Last Updated: May 9, 2023

104 4 minutes read

Are you wondering, “can wearing braces cause weight loss?” You’re at the right place. Click this link to get correct answers and more!

0. Dental treatment has a specific effect on your lifestyle.

Dental treatment has a specific effect on your lifestyle.

Thanks to braces, you will have straight teeth and a beautiful smile. However, during treatment, you will have to live with difficulty eating.

So, can wearing braces cause weight loss? Yes. Wearing braces in adulthood can help you lose weight. It sounds hard to believe, but it makes a lot of sense.

In this article, we will learn about the causes of weight loss after braces and more. So, let’s get into the details!

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Why Do You Lose Weight While Wearing Braces?

After braces, patients tend to snack less, which is the cause of weight loss.

During the dental treatment, you’ll feel some discomfort in your teeth. You may feel a bit of a toothache, making it harder to eat and drink than before. As a result, you will eat less, making your body not receive enough nutrients.

As you progress through this treatment, forming new eating habits is essential. For example, you should avoid eating things with a lot of sugar, such as candy bars or caramel. By cutting out high-in-sugar foods, you will lose weight as a result.

What’s more, in some cases, you will be asked to have the tooth extracted, causing prolonged pain. As a result, you will eat less, and your body will even lose more weight than it should.

In general, the reasons above can make you cut out unhealthy snacks. Many people will even cut out all drinks except water, helping them eliminate unnecessary calories.

On the other hand, wearing braces can make oral hygiene more difficult, creating lazy psychological eating.

Some Other Positive Side Effects

Next, we will cover some of the positive side effects you may experience with orthodontic treatment.

Better Digestion

Orthodontic treatment allows you to chew your food correctly the first time. It is essential for the digestive process.

Proper chewing allows you to extract more nutrients from your food while also getting a better appetite. So, in most cases, wearing braces can help you manage indigestion problems.

Improved Oral Hygiene

1. Orthodontic treatment allows you to have a new understanding of oral hygiene.

Orthodontic treatment allows you to have a new understanding of oral hygiene.

The outcome of the orthodontic process depends in part on your oral care. So, many people have gained a new awareness of the importance of oral hygiene through this process. Specifically, it motivates you to brush and floss twice a day.

So, your mouth will be in the best shape ever, with a bright smile and fresh breath. This habit will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Break Your Bad Habits

There are a lot of bad oral habits, such as snacking or nail-biting. However, as you go through this dental treatment, you will have a new understanding of your oral health.

It is the driving force that motivates you to stop these bad habits. For example, some people report quitting smoking to prevent nicotine from discoloring their teeth.

Foods to Prevent Excessive Weight Loss With Braces

2. You should add dairy foods, such as cheese, fresh milk, yogurt to your diet.

You should add dairy foods, such as cheese, fresh milk, yogurt to your diet.

In most cases, losing weight is a good thing. However, as we mentioned in another article, rapid weight loss can negatively affect the body, such as hair loss, acne growth, and sagging skin. You can read more here.

You should avoid grilled ribs, grilled chicken, beefsteak, and other chewy dishes. However, in our opinion, you do not have to eliminate all of them from your diet. Instead, you just need to cut them into small pieces to limit chewing.

In addition, you should prioritize the following foods:

Dairy foods: cheese, fresh milk, yogurt (it would be better to add less fruit).
Protein-rich foods: eggs, fish, meat, and more.
Vegetables and fruits: Both chopped or pureed are good.
Add grains to the menu to change the taste of your meals.
Do you like to eat bread? Choose bread that is soft, easy to swallow, and easy to melt.

Issues to Note When Orthodontic Treatment

It will take a few days to get used to the new state.

You may notice side effects. Some are worrisome, while others are not. The following are common symptoms of orthodontic treatment:

Tongue and gum irritation
Slight discomfort
Inflamed gums
Difficulty eating
Tooth decay

If you face any other symptoms, the best thing is to contact your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dental Treatment Hurt?

It will give you a slight discomfort at first as your mouth has not yet adapted to the process. However, this discomfort will subside over time.

To minimize pain and discomfort, you should use Invisalign because its aligners are made of flexible plastic, providing you with maximum comfort.

Will Braces Get In the Way of My Daily Life?

3. Thanks to Invisalign, your eating will not be significantly affected

Thanks to Invisalign, your eating will not be significantly affected.

It depends on the product you choose. If you use traditional metal braces, it is essential to avoid certain foods that can get stuck between your brackets. What’s more, you may have to floss more often.

On the other hand, if you pick Invisalign, your eating will almost continue as usual. The evidence is that most patients believe that Invisalign is less disruptive to their life than traditional braces.

What Is the Best Age for Braces?

There is no exact answer to this question, as it all depends on your treatment goals. However, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, your children should first visit their orthodontist at age 7.