How Braces Affect the Foods You Eat

Most people want a smile they can be proud of — one that showcases as straight, healthy set of pearly whites. Not all smiles are perfect, however, and need a little help. That’s where braces come in. While they do come with their own challenges — like brushing and flossing — the end result at the end of treatment will be well worth it. But did you know that certain foods can damage parts of your braces, like the rubber bands, wires, or even the bracket itself? 

Take heart. The fact is that there are many foods you can safely eat with braces, but ideally, seek out foods that are softer in texture and avoid those that demand a lot of chewing. At the office of Winchester Orthodontics, we are committed to created healthy smiles for people of all ages, and we want you to ensure that your orthodontic experience is the best it can be. That’s why we want to offer you this handy checklist that can serve as a convenient reference guide.

Braces-friendly foods:

• Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks, yogurt
• Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins
• Grains: pasta, soft cooked rice
• Meats/poultry: soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunchmeats
• Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
• Vegetables: mashed potatoes, spinach, beans
• Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice, and fruits that are cut into pieces
• Sweets: ice cream, milkshakes, cakes, puddings, jello

Braces-unfriendly foods:

• Chewy foods: bagels, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
• Sticky foods: caramel candies, chewing gum
• Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
• “Hard-bite” foods: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

At the office of Winchester Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate orthodontic care. For more information on the services we provide, give us a call today.