I agree with PPs that you should check with your orthodontist. My DH had braces as an adult, in case this is different than having them as a teen as I did, and he was only in pain for 2-3 days after initially getting term, and then maybe a day or so after each time they got tightened. Also, you mention your teeth being “sensitive” - from my experience, that doesn’t describe the pain of braces at all (unless you mean your gums/inside of your cheeks is irritated by the metal?). My braces were causing a pressure kind of pain, but nothing that I would describe as sensitive. Again, your case sounds unusual, check with your ortho.

Anonymous wrote:We only really needed different food for the 1st day or two and then back to eating almost everything we normally ate. Meat and crunchy vegetables/fruit sometimes need to be cut smaller to make them easier to chew, and we don't do corn on the cob anymore (we just cut the kernels off), but that's about the extent of our food changes for braces.

+1. Same for my DS. No corn on the cob, nuts or popcorn, but otherwise normal food.

Anonymous wrote:Wow. Op here. It's been 3 weeks and my teeth are still to sensitive to really bite with my front teeth at all. I have to cut things small and chew with my molars. Leafy salad is exhausting.

Then you need to check with your orthodontist. That is highly unusual.

Anonymous wrote:Wow. Op here. It's been 3 weeks and my teeth are still to sensitive to really bite with my front teeth at all. I have to cut things small and chew with my molars. Leafy salad is exhausting.

What are you eating these days?

I would check back in with your dentist. For most people, regular food is fine after the first couple days.

Wow. Op here. It's been 3 weeks and my teeth are still to sensitive to really bite with my front teeth at all. I have to cut things small and chew with my molars. Leafy salad is exhausting.

Cottage cheese
Soft baked cookies
Bean soup

We only really needed different food for the 1st day or two and then back to eating almost everything we normally ate. Meat and crunchy vegetables/fruit sometimes need to be cut smaller to make them easier to chew, and we don't do corn on the cob anymore (we just cut the kernels off), but that's about the extent of our food changes for braces.

Anonymous wrote:Mashed potatoes
apple sauce
spaghetti o’s
Crab legs
Fruit smoothie
Milk shakes
Jello
Bean dip
Canned corn
Pickled beets
Pudding
Raw cookie dough
Strawberry fruit crisp
Popsicles
Macaroni salad

Mmmmm…. Bean dip

Anonymous wrote:Mashed potatoes
apple sauce
spaghetti o’s
Crab legs
Fruit smoothie
Milk shakes
Jello
Bean dip
Canned corn
Pickled beets
Pudding
Raw cookie dough
Strawberry fruit crisp
Popsicles
Macaroni salad

* Creamed corn

Mashed potatoes
apple sauce
spaghetti o’s
Crab legs
Fruit smoothie
Milk shakes
Jello
Bean dip
Canned corn
Pickled beets
Pudding
Raw cookie dough
Strawberry fruit crisp
Popsicles
Macaroni salad

Why can't you eat normal food with braces?

Braces should only be uncomfortable for like 24 hrs. That 1st day is uncomfortable so, yes, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and other soft foods work.
Otherwise carry on as usual.

- 2 kids in braces and never thought 2x about switching up the menu b/c of braces

Have cooked and eaten pounds upon pounds of sag paneer, butter paneer, spinach with corn, pasta, and stir fry with grated vegetables. It's too hot for soup. Need some variety. What are some more soft foods that involve vegetables?