You just got your braces put on by our Grand Rapids orthodontists only to be told there are certain foods you shouldn’t eat. While it may irk you to learn this, there’s no need to panic. After all, there are still plenty of things you can safely enjoy during orthodontic treatment.
Here are a few plus a list of those still in the clear.
The Importance of Caring for Your Braces
Let’s be honest, whether you have metal braces, ceramic braces, or even lingual braces, they’re an investment. The last thing you (or your parents) want is for the wires and brackets to become damaged.
To keep your braces in tip-top shape, our orthodontists encourage you to be mindful of the foods you are consuming. It may take some time to adjust to the new “rules” but in the end, you’ll be glad you did. The less you’re in our Grand Rapids, MI, orthodontics office having your braces repaired, the faster you’ll be done with treatment.
Remember to also brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. This will not only work to keep your braces clean, but your teeth underneath as well. If you need some help with your at-home routine, we can give you some oral hygiene tips to follow.
Learn More → Tips for Brushing & Flossing With Braces
Foods to Think Twice About With Braces Include:
1. Popcorn
Movie night doesn’t seem complete without this salty and crunchy snack. Unfortunately, the hard kernels can do damage to your braces. For example, a kernel can become stuck underneath your wires and possibly bend them. If you can find kernel-free popcorn, that’s great! Otherwise, experiment with another movie time snack.
2. Nuts
Similar to popcorn, snacking on a nut mix can put you at risk for unwanted (and costly) repairs. Of course, they are healthy, but it’s their hard consistency that makes them off-limits. Chopped nuts in desserts or savory dishes are completely fine as long as they’re small enough to chew easily.
3.Hard or Overly Chewy Candy
Caramel, taffy, and other similar sweets are yummy until they result in an emergency trip to our office. Unless you want to pull something loose, it’s best to steer clear of these types of candy until after you’ve had your braces removed!
Related Post → What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?
4.Corn on the Cob
Have you ever bitten into an ear of corn only to find most of it stuck in between your teeth when you pull away? Now imagine that but with metal brackets and wires in the way.If you’re really craving corn, we suggest trimming the kernels off with a knife and eating them.
5. Crunchy Fruits (Whole) or Vegetables
No, we do not mean you should avoid ALL fruits and vegetables. What our orthodontists do want, however, is for you to try to cut up any whole fruits or vegetables before eating, i.e., no biting directly into apples. Even better yet, eat steamed vegetables that have been adequately softened.
Acceptable Foods to Eat During Treatment
Like we mentioned above, there are plenty of . With some, it’s all about adapting. For instance, pre-slicing fruits, only chewing sugar-free gum, and being wise about hard crusts.
Here are some examples of braces-friendly foods:
- Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt)
- Grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal)
- Chicken, beef, pork (make sure it’s not too chewy and cut up into pieces)
- Most types of soft bread
Not interested in having any dietary restrictions? Ask our orthodontists about Invisalign® clear aligners if you’re still considering treatment options. The aligners are removable which means you can eat the foods you want so long as you keep up with oral hygiene.
Make an Appointment Today
Our orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, know that food restrictions can be tough to accept at the onset of your orthodontic treatment. The important thing is to let the end result, a beautiful new smile, be the motivating factor. Call Miller Orthodontics at (616) 942-9320 today to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
