When considering braces, many patients wonder what foods will be off-limits with braces – and why they shouldn’t be enjoyed. It all comes down to keeping your treatment on schedule and your braces in good condition!
Foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or very chewy have the potential to damage your braces, and when braces are damaged, your treatment time may be longer. In this blog, we’ll discuss what not to eat with braces, as well as foods you can enjoy with braces while working toward your beautiful new smile!
Braces are made up of specially designed brackets, wires, and bands, and these structures can be seriously damaged by foods that are very hard, sticky, or chewy.
Your jaw muscles are powerful, and chewing hard or sticky foods like nuts, candy, or ice could dislodge brackets or bend wires. When your braces are damaged, they can’t do their job, and that could mean a longer treatment time! Following these guidelines can help you avoid delays.
It’s true that you’ll have to hit pause on enjoying certain foods while you have braces, but by following these guidelines, you can help keep your treatment on schedule and avoid delays.
Foods that are chewy, hard, or sticky can damage your wires and bands or even pop the bracket right off a tooth. This damage can mean more office visits, more money, and more time in braces! The types of foods to avoid include (but are not limited to):
Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy plenty of healthy and delicious foods! These are just some of the softer foods that you can still enjoy while working toward your new smile:
Some crunchier foods like apples can be enjoyed if cut up into bite-sized pieces. If you’re unsure if a certain food is OK to eat, let us know! Our team is happy to answer any questions about what is safe to eat with braces.
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier smile, and it is important to follow the orthodontist’s instructions to make sure your treatment stays on track.
We want our patients to have all of the information they need to feel successful with their braces, and we’re here to answer any questions you have about foods to enjoy or avoid when wearing braces. If you’re in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Lakeland, schedule a free consultation today to find out more about your orthodontic treatment options!
