(253) 845-6784In this blog, we’ll look at foods to eat with braces. Very often, people are concerned about how their diets will change when they get braces. You must indeed avoid certain foods. However, there are many acceptable options, and you can still enjoy a nutritious, varied, delicious diet.
If avoiding certain foods sounds challenging, it’s possible Invisalign can offer a great alternative. With clear aligners, you can continue to eat what you want since they come out temporarily for meals. Before any treatment begins, we’ll go over all the options and discuss your goals and needs. Then, you can get that perfect smile you always wanted and deserve!
Today, it’s never been easier or safer to get started. Take a free virtual consultation from Orthodontic Excellence. In minutes you can get all the answers you need about braces, Invisalign, or anything else.
To get started, click the orange button that reads, “Start your Virtual Appointment NOW!” on the screen’s bottom. Learn more here.
What Foods Are Out?
First, we’ll look at the foods that are better avoided with braces. They’re foods that are:
- HARD
- CRUNCHY
- STICKY
- CHEWY
- STAINING
By avoiding these foods as much as possible, you can prevent broken or loose wires and brackets. Plus, food particles are less likely to get stuck where you can’t easily brush them away. Unfortunately, these particles can lead to tooth decay.
Also, avoiding these types of foods will help you avoid emergency appointments for adjustments. So, sticking to safer foods helps save money, keeps your treatment on schedule, and more comfortable and convenient.
Remember: The end result is a gorgeous, healthy smile you’ll be proud of for life! So, it’s certainly all worth it. Please take a peek at our Success Stories for some inspiration. We love seeing how smiles transform lives, giving patients more confidence, self-esteem, and happiness!
Temporarily Avoid These Foods
Right after getting braces, your teeth and gums will be more sensitive as you adjust. Some people also have more sensitivity to cold during this time. So, ice cream may not be a great option for some people. For others, ice cream is a great reward and a way to reduce swelling after getting braces.
Don’t worry: It’s temporary, but you may want to avoid these foods at least for a little while:
- Hard to chew pieces of meat or bread
- Spicy or citrus foods
After about a week, you will adjust to braces, and your mouth will be less sensitive. As treatment progresses, it gets easier to know what foods to avoid and which are your go-to favorites.
Some Foods Can Stain Braces
Particularly with clear ceramic braces, there are some foods you might want to avoid. There are others, but this will give you a good idea:
- Tomatoes
- Mustard
- Food coloring
- Berries
- Beets
- Curry
- Grape juice
Popular beverages like coffee, soda, red wine, and tea can also stain braces. So, be sure to rinse with water or mouthwash after if possible.
These Foods Are Best Avoided
The foods below fall into the hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy categories. Thus, it’s best to avoid them while you’re wearing braces.
- Nuts
- Ice
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Hard tacos
- Chewing gum
- Hard crackers
- Corn on the cob
- Hard or sticky candy
- Apples, carrots, hard veggies
- Sugary drinks, sodas, excess sweets
- Tough bread like bagels, pretzels, or pizza crust
Of course, sweets are best kept as a reward occasionally. Sugary foods and drinks are more likely to cause tooth decay with braces since it’s harder to clean around the brackets and wires.
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Foods to Enjoy with Braces
Now the fun part! Below are foods you may enjoy as much as you want. Just be sure to brush and floss after every meal.
Some delicious options to consider: (Not a full list)
- Soups
- Seafood
- Soft fruit
- Pancakes
- Puddings
- Soft bread
- Soft cheese
- Cooked rice
- Milkshakes
- Cooked pasta
- Oats and grains
- Muffins (without nuts)
- Soft wraps and tortillas
- Cooked and soft veggies
- Soft desserts and cakes
As you can see, these foods are easier to chew and less likely to cause problems with your braces. Among them will be many delicious options to enjoy. And remember, one day, your braces will come off, and you’ll have a gorgeous smile. Then, you can once again eat the foods you avoided for the time being. It’s all worth it!
For more answers about orthodontic treatment, please check out our FAQ.
Orthodontic Excellence provides the best care for the communities near:
- Tacoma WA
- Summit WA
- Puyallup WA
- North Puyallup WA
Contact us today for a free initial consultation at (253) 845-6784 Today, we’re taking extra steps to make sure everyone is safe.
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