What Foods Should You Avoid with Braces?

If you’ve decided to have your teeth straightened with braces, certain foods can interfere with your treatment, cause discomfort, or even damage your braces. That’s why knowing the right list of foods to avoid with braces is essential for your journey to a perfect smile.

Eating with Brace: First Week Essentials

The initial week of wearing braces is focused on getting used to the changes. As your mouth adjusts to the pressure from the brackets and wires, you’ll probably feel some soreness or sensitivity. During this period, stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like:

• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal
• Soft fruits like bananas or avocados

Avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard foods that could irritate your gums or move your brackets out of place. Hydrate often, and consider cold beverages or ice packs to soothe soreness. Remember, the goal in the first week is to let your mouth adjust with as little disruption as possible.

Hard and Sticky Foods to Avoid with Braces

As your treatment progresses, you’ll be tempted to go back to your normal eating habits. However, several foods are still restricted until your braces are removed.

Hard Foods That Damage Braces

These foods have the potential to bend wires or damage brackets:

• Ice cubes
• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, etc.)
• Hard candies
• Raw carrots
• Pizza crust
• Corn on the cob
• Popcorn (kernels are risky)

Sticky and Chewy Foods to Avoid

These foods often stick to your brackets and are difficult to clean off:

• Chewing gum
• Caramel
• Toffee
• Gummy bears
• Licorice
• Taffy

Additional Braces Food Restrictions

Here is a small list of additional foods to avoid with braces:

• Crunchy chips and pretzels
• Bagels and crusty breads
• Whole apples or pears (unless cut into small pieces)
• Ribs or chicken wings (bones pose a risk)

These foods may not seem harmful at first, but their texture or the way we bite into them can apply too much pressure on the braces. Modifying how you eat certain foods, like slicing fruit or removing meat from the bone, can go a long way in protecting your teeth and braces.

Braces-Safe Diet and Smart Swaps

Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious options that fit within a braces-safe diet. Here are some orthodontist-approved choices:

• Cooked vegetables (steamed or roasted)
• Pasta and soft noodles
• Soft fruits (bananas, peaches, berries)
• Soft cheeses
• Eggs and tofu
• Smooth nut butters (instead of whole nuts)

Orthodontic Diet Tips

In addition to avoiding certain foods, consider these orthodontic diet tips to ensure your braces stay intact and your teeth stay healthy throughout your treatment.

• Always cut food into bite-sized pieces
• Avoid biting directly into hard foods
• Take your time while chewing and use both sides of your mouth for balance.
• Make sure to brush after each meal to avoid plaque accumulation around your brackets.

Consider ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners for Flexibility

If food restrictions sound overwhelming, you’re not alone. A major reason many people prefer clear aligners over traditional braces is the ability to enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions. ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, meaning no brackets, no wires, and no food restrictions.

Just take out your aligners before eating, enjoy the foods you love, give your teeth a quick brush, and then put the aligners back in place..

Other benefits of ALIGNERCO include:

• Lower cost compared to traditional braces
• At home, 3D treatment and remote monitoring
• Discreet and comfortable design

If you qualify for clear aligners, ALIGNERCO may be the perfect option to avoid all these braces food restrictions while still getting the smile you’ve always wanted.

Stick to the Right Foods for a Healthier Smile

Being mindful of your diet, especially during the first week, can make a big difference. Avoiding foods like hard candies, raw carrots, and pizza crust, and sticking to a braces-safe diet helps minimize irritation and ensures your treatment stays on track. Soft, easy-to-chew options like cooked vegetables, pasta, soft fruits, eggs, and tofu not only protect your braces but also support your overall dental health. With the right care and consistency, your journey to a confident, healthy smile will be smoother and more rewarding.