Effects of orthodontic treatment on nutrient intake

Orthodontists often advise their patients to eat soft foods after treatment to avoid pressure sensitivity. Yet there is little research as to how this affects nutrient intake. This study compared nutrient intake before and after orthodontic adjustment to see whether any changes occurred. Ten patients between the ages of 12 and 16 years were selected from the University of Buffalo School of Orthodontics. These patients recorded the foods they ate for 3 days before and 3 days after treatment. Treatment types studied were those that cause a significant level of pressure sensitivity such as an arch wire change. The recorded diets were analyzed with a paired two sample t test, with alpha = 0.05 as the significance level. The results of this study show a decrease in intake of copper and manganese after orthodontic adjustment. Also trends toward a greater percentage of calories from total and saturated fat at the expense of carbohydrates, a decrease in fiber intake, and an improvement in the calcium to phosphorus ratio were seen. Bone metabolism, and therefore tooth movement may be affected by copper and manganese levels. Thus, to optimize patient physiologic response to orthodontic treatment, it may be beneficial to provide nutritional guidance to patients in choosing soft food diets.