Braces are a powerful tool for achieving a straighter, healthier smile- but they do come with a few dietary changes. Knowing which foods to avoid during orthodontic treatment can help protect your braces, prevent damage, and ensure your treatment stays on track.
At McComb Orthodontics, we prioritize both your results and your comfort. Here’s your guide to what not to eat with braces– and why it matters.
Why Some Foods Are Off-Limits with Braces
Braces are made up of brackets, wires, and bands that are carefully positioned to move your teeth into alignment. Certain foods can interfere with that process by:
- Breaking or dislodging brackets and wires
- Getting stuck in your braces, leading to plaque buildup
- Making oral hygiene more difficult, which can cause cavities or gum issues
Avoiding problematic foods can reduce the risk of emergencies, shorten your treatment time, and keep your smile on track.
Top Foods to Avoid with Braces
To protect your orthodontic appliances and maintain good oral health, steer clear of the following categories:
1. Sticky Foods
Sticky foods cling to brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean- and they can pull appliances out of place.
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy candies
- Fruit snacks
2. Hard Foods
Hard foods can bend wires or break brackets, requiring emergency visits and delaying your treatment.
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice
- Popcorn kernels
- Raw carrots and apples (unless softened or sliced thinly)
3. Chewy Foods
Chewy textures put pressure on your braces and can make eating uncomfortable.
- Bagels
- Licorice
- Tough bread crusts or pizza crust
4. Crunchy Snacks
These can put too much pressure on braces or get lodged between wires.
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off first)
5. Sugary Foods and Drinks
While sugar won’t damage your braces directly, it increases the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay, especially around brackets.
- Soda
- Candy
- Sugary cereals
- Sweetened beverages
Braces-Friendly Eating Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you eat comfortably and protect your braces:
- Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces
- Steam or cook vegetables to soften them
- Choose softer foods like yogurt, smoothies, pasta, and rice
- Brush and floss carefully after meals to remove food debris
Protecting Your Smile During Braces Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your future smile. Avoiding harmful foods and following your orthodontist’s advice can prevent avoidable setbacks and help you finish treatment on time.
If you’re ever unsure whether a food is safe to eat with braces, our team at McComb Orthodontics is just a call away. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your braces journey– from your first appointment to your final reveal.
