Getting your braces on for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. While the prospect of having a perfectly straight set of teeth sounds great, many of our patients get psyched out by the idea of taking care of their braces. Drs. Maurice and Elizabeth Haynes wanted to make this process a little less stressful with a go-to guide for what you can eat with your braces and foods you should avoid.
What to Expect with Braces
When we think of braces, we typically think of metal braces with silver brackets and a silver wire running along the teeth. These braces have been the most popular throughout the decades as they’re both economical and able to address most imperfections in the teeth and jaws. In recent years, clear or ceramic braces have gained traction among patients who desire a more discreet look while aligning their teeth. While these braces are more aesthetically pleasing to some, they are more fragile than metal braces and may require a little more caution around food.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
As a general rule, there are a bunch of foods that we ask our patient to avoid while wearing braces. These foods tend to get caught in the wiring of the braces, break brackets away from the teeth, or snap the wiring between the brackets altogether.
- Gum
- Sticky or hard candy
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Ice cubes
- Thick chips
- Whole apples or hard fruits
- Whole carrots or hard vegetables
- Hard or crusty breads
- Corn on the cob
- Thick bagels
- Extra thick or crispy pizza crust
- Large hard pretzels
- Chewable vitamins and supplements
Foods You Can Eat While Wearing Braces
Were you expecting to see another list? Drs. Maurice and Elizabeth Haynes are firm believers in correcting your teeth and jaw alignment without having to sacrifice the things you love. You can eat most of your favorite foods while wearing braces! Just make sure to avoid anything that’s too crunchy, hard, or sticky. We also recommend you avoid tearing these foods with your teeth by cutting them up into smaller pieces during your meal.
If you have any questions or would like more information about what you can expect with braces, we encourage you to contact us and schedule your private consultation with our expert staff today. We’ll be happy to evaluate your teeth and jaw, and provide you with the highest-quality dental and orthodontic care at an affordable price.
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