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Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but it also comes with a few changes, especially when it comes to your diet. While wearing braces, certain foods can help keep your treatment on track, while others might cause discomfort or even damage your appliances.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your eating habits, here’s your go-to guide on what to eat—and what to skip—while wearing braces.
Why Food Choices Matter During Orthodontic Treatment
Braces are designed to gently shift your teeth into alignment over time. But to do their job effectively, they need to stay intact. Eating the wrong types of food can bend wires, loosen brackets, or create oral hygiene challenges—all of which can delay your progress and lead to unexpected visits to the orthodontist.
Making smart food choices helps you:
- Avoid damage to braces
- Reduce the risk of cavities or staining
- Minimize discomfort during treatment
- Stay on schedule for your expected treatment timeline
Foods to Enjoy with Braces
Good news—there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious foods you can enjoy without worrying about damaging your braces. In general, stick with soft, easy-to-chew options, especially right after adjustments when your teeth may feel more sensitive.
Here are some braces-friendly favorites:
- Soft Fruits — Bananas, berries, melons, applesauce
- Cooked Vegetables — Steamed broccoli, carrots, spinach
- Dairy — Yogurt, cheese, pudding, milk
- Grains — Pasta, rice, soft bread (without crusty edges), pancakes
- Protein — Eggs, tender chicken, meatballs, tofu, beans
- Snacks — Smoothies, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, soft granola bars (without nuts)
Pro tip: Cutting food into smaller pieces can make it even easier to chew and enjoy!
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain foods are known to cause issues with braces—either by breaking parts of the appliance or getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas. Avoiding these troublemakers will help protect your braces and keep your treatment on track.
Here’s what to stay away from:
- Hard Foods — Nuts, hard candies, popcorn, ice, raw carrots, hard taco shells
- Sticky Foods — Gum, caramel, taffy, chewy candies
- Crunchy Foods — Chips, pretzels, crusty bread, granola
- Chewy Foods — Bagels, licorice, gummy candy
- Sugary Treats — Limit candy, soda, and sweets that can increase plaque buildup and tooth decay
If you’re ever unsure about a food, ask yourself: Is this hard to chew or likely to get stuck in my braces? If the answer is yes, it’s probably best to skip it.
How to Eat Smarter With Braces
You don’t have to give up all your favorites—you just may need to prepare them differently. For example:
- Cut apples into thin slices instead of biting into them.
- Steam or roast vegetables to soften them.
- Opt for boneless meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Skip corn on the cob and go for off-the-cob kernels instead.
A few simple adjustments go a long way toward protecting your braces and making your meals more enjoyable.
Why Choose Potter Orthodontics for Supportive Braces Care?
At Potter Orthodontics, we’re not just focused on straightening teeth—we’re here to guide you through every aspect of your orthodontic journey, including smart eating habits. We offer personalized care, clear instructions, and ongoing support to help you stay comfortable, healthy, and on track throughout treatment.
Have a question about your diet with braces? Our team is just a call or visit away.
Need More Tips for Life With Braces? Let’s Chat.
Adjusting to braces doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun—it just means being a little more mindful about what’s on your plate. With the right food choices and a little help from your orthodontic team, you’ll be smiling big in no time.
Call or visit Potter Orthodontics in Fullerton or Yorba Linda, CA to get personalized guidance and expert care every step of the way.
