What You Can and Can’t Eat with Braces

Starting your orthodontic journey with braces is an exciting step toward achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. However, it does mean making a few changes to your diet to help your braces work their best and keep you comfortable. At Struckhoff and Britt Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through what to eat and what to avoid so you can enjoy your favorite foods while protecting your braces.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods can damage your braces, leading to discomfort, longer treatment times, and extra visits to the orthodontist. Here are some foods to avoid:

  • Hard Foods
    • Nuts: These can break brackets and bend wires.
    • Popcorn: Kernels can get stuck in your braces and cause pain or damage.
    • Hard Candies: These can break brackets and wires.
    • Ice: Chewing on ice can easily damage your braces.
  • Sticky Foods
    • Gum: It can get caught in your braces and is difficult to clean.
    • Caramel, Taffy and other sticky candy: These sticky treats can pull on your brackets and wires, causing them to loosen or come off.
  • Chewy Foods
    • Bagels and Licorice**: These can be tough on your braces, pulling on the brackets and wires.
    • Tough Meats: Choose tender meats to avoid putting strain on your braces.
  • Crunchy Foods
    • Raw Vegetables: While healthy, they can be too hard for braces. Consider steaming them to soften.
    • Chips and Hard Pretzels: These can break brackets and wires.
  • Sugary Foods
    • Candy: Excessive sugar can lead to tooth decay around your braces.
    • Sugary Drinks: Sodas and energy drinks can erode enamel and cause cavities.

Braces-Friendly Foods

The list of foods to avoid might seem long, but don’t worry! There are plenty of delicious and safe options you can enjoy without trouble:

  • Soft Foods
    • Dairy: Yogurt, cheese, and milk are excellent choices.
    • Soft Fruits: Bananas, berries, and applesauce are gentle on your braces.
    • Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables are easy to eat.
    • Soft Meats: Chicken, turkey, and fish are tender options. Slow-cooked or shredded meat is also great.
  • Easy-to-Chew Foods
    • Pasta: Soft noodles with your favorite sauce are a braces-friendly meal.
    • Rice: A versatile and easy-to-eat grain.
    • Eggs: Scrambled, boiled, or as an omelet, eggs are nutritious and easy on braces.
    • Bread: Soft bread and muffins (without nuts) are good choices.
  • Safe Snacks
    • Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits and vegetables for a nutritious snack.
    • Cheese Sticks: A great portable and braces-friendly snack.
    • Pudding and Jell-O: Soft and easy-to-eat treats.

Tips for Eating with Braces

To keep your braces in good shape and your treatment progressing smoothly, keep these tips in mind:

  • Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: Cutting fruits, vegetables, and other hard foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces makes them easier to eat and reduces the risk of damaging your braces.
  • Chew Carefully: Take your time when eating and chew slowly to avoid biting down too hard on anything that might damage your braces.
  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and braces clean. Pay extra attention to cleaning around brackets and wires to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.
  • Use Orthodontic Wax: If you experience discomfort from braces rubbing against the inside of your mouth, use orthodontic wax to cover the irritating areas.

You’ve Got This!

We know that adjusting to a new diet with braces isn’t the most fun, but it is an important step in making sure your treatment is successful. By avoiding hard, sticky, chewy, and sugary foods and opting for soft, braces-friendly alternatives, you can protect your braces and enjoy a smooth treatment process. At Struckhoff and Britt Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need additional advice on eating with braces, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!

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