What can you
eat with braces?
How braces will affect your diet
Why do you have to watch what you eat while wearing braces? There are three important reasons.
Foods to eat right after an orthodontic adjustment
What should you eat after an orthodontic adjustment? Choose foods that are soft to limit the need to chew. You can also enjoy cool foods that can help soothe sore gums.
We recommend foods like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Cottage cheese
- Peas
- Pancakes
- Pasta
Your mouth will likely feel much better within a couple of days of your braces adjustment and you will be ready to eat other kinds of foods.
Foods to avoid while wearing braces
Foods that are hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky can bend wires or even dislodge brackets. It may not be easy to say no to your favourite crunchy snacks during orthodontic treatment, but braces are not forever. The final outcome is worth the short-term sacrifice.
Foods that can damage braces:
- Whole apples
- Fresh carrots
- Pretzels
- Hard lollies
- Chewing gum (there are exceptions, so ask your orthodontist which type is safe)
- Whole nuts
- Caramel
- Popcorn
This is only a basic list; there are other foods you may have to temporarily avoid. In general, stay away from anything crunchy or hard unless it is ground or chopped finely so that you do not have to bite into it.
Set limits on snacking
When you are straightening your teeth, you have a foreign object stuck to them at nearly all times. This is true for both regular metal braces and for clear aligners such as InvisalignⓇ. Both metal brackets and clear aligners provide extra surfaces to collect plaque and food debris. When this debris is in contact with your teeth for a long time, it can begin dissolving your enamel and increase your risk of tooth decay.
We recommend that you limit your between-meal snacking during orthodontic treatment. You will be more likely to have clean healthy teeth when your treatment is finally over.
More tips for living with braces
In summary, try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that is low in sweets while avoiding hard foods. You can still enjoy a varied diet filled with foods you love while wearing braces. Being careful about what you eat will help you to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
Our team wants to see your orthodontic treatment be a success so we are ready to help you every step of the way. We are happy to share expert orthodontic advice with patients from Mooloolaba, Kuluin, Coolum Beach, Maroochydore, Buddina and the surrounding areas.
Are you wondering whether you need braces? We would love to have you join our family.
Book a consultation with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what kind of orthodontic treatment is right for you.
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Where we are and how to get in touch
Our practice is located across from Cotton Tree beach. Come and meet us at our Maroochydore location.
Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm (closed every second Friday)
