Over 4 million Americans wear braces every year to achieve straighter and healthier teeth. If you are one of the many patients seeking orthodontic treatment, its important to educate yourself on how to take care of your braces.
Having braces doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up all the delicious foods you enjoy, and you won’t have to survive off of purees and oatmeal throughout the entire process. You will however, have to make a few dietary adjustments to increase the longevity of your braces and see how different foods affect you while you adjust to your treatment.
Making the right food choices with braces will ensure optimum results down the line. And no one wants to increase the duration of their treatment or have to repeat the process due to unfortunate food choices.
What foods can you eat with braces?
Luckily, there is an abundance of options for delicious foods and snacks patients can enjoy. These options are nutrient-rich, filling, and good for not only your teeth but the rest of your body as well. During your orthodontic treatment, you can chow down on:
- Milk & Yogurt
- Scrambled Eggs
- Soft Wheat Bread (Avoid varieties with excess nuts & seeds)
- White & Sweet Potatoes
- Cooked Veggies
- Fish, Chicken, & Lean Pork
- Soups
- Pasta
- Pancakes
What Snacks can you eat with braces?
Now all these food options seem great, right? But what if you are craving a snack, or need a quick bite on the go? Most of the above options require some prep, and we aren’t always in the mood for a full meal. Some great snack options include:
- Pudding & Icecream
- String Cheese or Cheese Cubes
- Graham Crackers
- Cheese Puffs
- Smooth Nut Spreads on Soft Bread
- Protein Shakes
- Muffins
Ensure you have ample snacks on hand, so you aren’t tempted to eat inadvisable food and risk damaging your braces.
Foods to avoid with braces
It may seem obvious, but orthodontists recommend avoiding crunchy, hard, chewy, or sticky foods. These choices, while delicious, can be damaging to your braces. Here is a list we’ve compiled of foods you should avoid when possible, as they can damage your braces’ hardware and cause potential pain.
- Tortilla & Potato Chips
- Popcorn & Pretzels
- Nuts
- Croutons
- Gum
- Chewy Candies
- Crunchy Peanut Butter
- Corn on the cob
- Crunchy Vegetables & Fruits
- Toffee or Hard Chocolate Candies
Prioritize Your Oral Healthy.
In addition to ensuring you or your family follow a braces-friendly diet, it’s vital to ensure you are practicing proper dental hygiene while receiving orthodontic treatment. It’s much harder to keep all the nooks and crannies clean when you have braces.
You should make brushing and flossing a priority every day, but make sure to take special care during this process. For our braces patients, we recommend brushing your teeth at least three times a day and flossing at least once a day to remove any build-up in hard-to-reach places. We also recommend visiting your dentist every 4-8 weeks for cleaning, checking up on progress, and making any necessary adjustments.
Schedule a consultation!
At Greenspoint, we are orthodontic experts. We’ve been providing top-quality orthodontic, cosmetic, and general dentistry services since 1997. Our modern offices use cutting-edge dental technology and equipment in order to provide patients with the best dental services and successful treatment results. If you are considering scheduling a braces consultation for yourself or your child, reach out to us! We will make sure you feel cared for and informed throughout the entire treatment process. We look forward to hearing from you.
