Braces are a great step toward achieving a beautiful, confident smile, but adjusting to life with braces can take some getting used to—especially when it comes to food. Many wearers, along with parents of teens undergoing treatment, often find themselves asking the same question: “What can I eat with braces?”
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about braces-friendly eating, from foods to avoid to those you can enjoy, along with practical tips to make eating with braces a breeze.
Why Does Diet Matter with Braces?
When you’re wearing braces, what you eat doesn’t just impact your health—it also affects your orthodontic appliances. Certain foods can loosen brackets, bend wires, or get stuck, potentially prolonging your treatment.
Choosing the right foods will not only protect your braces but also help you maintain good oral health throughout the process.
Orthodontic care specialists, like Dr. Catherine Scheurer McDevitt here at A Winning Smile Orthodontics in Worthington, emphasize the importance of a proper diet during orthodontic treatment. Your diet can be the difference between short and efficient treatment or setbacks from unnecessary visits to fix damaged appliances.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
To ensure your braces stay intact and your treatment stays on schedule, it’s best to steer clear of certain foods.
Here’s a quick list of what to avoid and why these foods can cause issues:
- Sticky foods (like gum, caramel, and taffy): These can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean.
- Hard foods (like nuts, hard candy, and popcorn kernels): These can break your brackets or wires.
- Chewy foods (like bagels and tough bread): These can place unnecessary pressure on your braces and cause loosening.
- Crunchy foods (like chips and pretzels): These can damage wires and brackets when bitten into.
- Whole fruits and vegetables (like apples or raw carrots): While healthy, biting directly into these foods can damage your appliance. They’re safer to eat when sliced or cooked.
By avoiding these foods, you significantly reduce the likelihood of needing emergency orthodontic care.
What Foods Can You Eat With Braces
Now that we know what to avoid, what can you eat with braces? The good news is there are plenty of delicious and braces-safe options! Here are some ideas, categorized by meal type or food group, to keep your meals enjoyable and varied.
Soft Fruits and Vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli or zucchini)
- Soft fruits such as bananas, melons, and strawberries
- Applesauce or puréed fruit
Snacks and Treats
- Yogurt or pudding
- Smoothies
- Soft cheeses
- Ice cream (without sticky toppings like caramel)
Protein Options
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked chicken or fish
- Tofu
- Beans
Carbohydrates
- Pasta (try it with a soft sauce like Alfredo or marinara)
- Rice and risotto
- Soft bread (avoid crusty parts or hard rolls)
- Pancakes and waffles
Meal Suggestions
- Soups and stews filled with soft ingredients
- Casseroles with cooked meats and vegetables
- Baked potatoes with toppings like sour cream or cheese
These food choices not only taste great but also help protect your braces while keeping mealtimes stress-free.
Tips for Eating with Braces
Adjusting to braces doesn’t just involve changing what you eat—it’s also about how you eat. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy your meals while keeping your braces in great shape.
- Cut Food into Small Pieces: Even braces-friendly foods, like sandwiches, are safer to eat when cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Chew Slowly: Avoid placing too much pressure on your braces by taking your time and chewing gently.
- Avoid Biting with Your Front Teeth: For foods that require biting effort, use your back teeth to avoid damaging the front brackets.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss carefully after every meal to keep your braces and teeth clean. Use orthodontic tools like a water flosser to remove stuck food particles.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you’ll keep your braces in top condition while enjoying a variety of delicious meals.
Comprehensive Care at A Winning Smile Orthodontics
At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, Dr. McDevitt and her team are committed to your orthodontic success and overall experience. Whether you need advice on braces-friendly foods or guidance on maintaining oral hygiene during treatment, we’re here to help!
Located in Worthington and serving the Columbus, Ohio area (including Dublin, Lewis Center, and Westerville), we offer comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults.
Dr. McDevitt understands that every patient’s situation is unique, and she and her caring team take the time to offer personalized solutions to meet your treatment goals. Whether it’s advice on what foods to incorporate into your braces-friendly diet or tips for long-term oral health, we’re here to be your partner every step of the way.
Enjoy Your Journey to a Winning Smile
Adjusting to life with braces doesn’t have to mean giving up on enjoying meals. Understanding “what can you eat with braces” is key to ensuring your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly while keeping your meals satisfying and stress-free.
By avoiding harmful foods, choosing braces-friendly options, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can enjoy a diverse and satisfying diet while protecting your orthodontic appliances.
If you’re unsure about specific food choices or have any questions about your braces treatment, reach out to us at A Winning Smile Orthodontics. Our team is ready to help you on your way to the smile of your dreams!
Schedule an appointment with A Winning Smile Orthodontics in Worthington today and experience the difference in expert orthodontic care.
