Even though braces have become sturdier over the years, it's important not to damage them. The wires, rubber bands, and brackets of your braces can get damaged when you eat certain foods. Today, our orthodontists at SmileTown Orthodontics Braces & Invisalign provide you with a list of foods you can eat and should avoid during your orthodontic treatment.
Are you having your orthodontic condition treated with braces? It’s imperative that you avoid certain foods that could put you at a higher risk for cavities or damage your braces.
Sugary and starchy foods generate plaque acid that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease. Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel, fudges and toffee can also cause wire damage and loosen brackets.
Foods You Have to Avoid During Braces Treatment
In most cases, people with braces have to avoid any foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy and can break braces or make them less effective. The following are examples of foods to avoid when wearing braces:
- Sticky/hard candy
- Nuts
- Gum
- Sticky/hard chocolate
- Ice
- Popcorn
- Hard cookies or crackers
- Corn chips and pretzels
Foods You Can Eat During Braces Treatment
Most of the time we recommend soft foods for those who wear braces because they are gentler on the hardware. Here are some examples of food that you can eat while wearing braces:
- Pasta and other noodle dishes
- Cheese
- Hull-less popcorn
- Light crackers or cookies
- Mashed potatoes
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Yogurt
- Soft fruits without pits (bananas, grapes, strawberries, etc.)
Patients with braces should also do their best to avoid biting into hard foods with their front teeth. When possible, these hard foods can be cut into smaller pieces:
- Corn on the cob
- Hard bread or rolls
- Fruit
- Raw vegetables
- Thin crust pizza
- Meat and Burgers
It can take years to straighten teeth with braces, and any damage to the wires or brackets can increase the length of your treatment. To keep your braces intact, be sure to select foods you can eat and take good care of your oral health.