Whether you’re new to braces or have been through the ropes before, one of the biggest questions our patient have is “what can I eat with braces”? At the Centre for Invisible Braces, we know how challenging eating with braces can be. To help you enjoy your treatment with braces a little more, Dr. Grussmark and his team have created a list of the ultimate do’s and don’ts when it comes to eating with braces.
The Do’s – Excellent Foods to Eat When You Have Braces
When it comes to safe foods for braces, the general rule of thumb is the softer, the better. General soreness and discomfort are expected during the first few days after receiving your braces or after getting them tightened, so soft foods are highly recommended.
Some of our favorites include:
- Dairy- soft cheeses, pudding
- Grains & Breads – noodles, pasta, soft rices, tortillas
- Proteins – ground beef/turkey, shredded chicken, fish, eggs
- Fruits & Vegetables – Bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes
- Treats – Ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O
If you’re wearing Invisalign, you’re in luck! Since these aligners can be removed, you don’t need to worry about restricting your diet to specific foods over the course of treatment. All you’ll need to do is take out the aligning trays before each meal or snack, and brush and floss your teeth before putting them back on. As some patients do experience discomfort in the first days after trading out their aligners, we recommend sticking to softer foods until the sensitivity decreases.
The Don’ts of Eating with Braces
Unfortunately, traditional braces come with a number of dietary restrictions. Part of this is because of how easily certain food can get trapped between the brackets and wires and damage the overall appliance.
If you’re wearing metal braces, be sure to avoid the following:
- Hard or crunchy foods like pizza crust, pretzels, and bagels
- Any type of jerky
- Sticky foods and candies including gum, licorice, caramels, jelly beans, and Starburst.
- Chewing ice
- Nuts, popcorn, and hard candies
- Corn on the cob
- Raw carrots, apples, and other hard fruits and veggies
Whether you have traditional braces or Invisalign, brushing and flossing teeth immediately after eating is an important aspect of keeping your smile as healthy as possible. For patients with metal braces in particular, food can easily get trapped in and around the brackets, opening the door for tooth decay, gum disease, and staining.
Have questions? Give our Miami orthodontist a call! Dr. Grussmark and his team are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile and are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your treatments for Invisalign and metal braces. Contact the Centre for Invisible Braces for today for more information or to make an appointment!