While wearing braces, it is essential to be mindful of your eating habits and to take extra care in keeping both your teeth and orthodontic appliances clean. Certain foods—particularly those that are hard, sticky, crunchy, or tough—can damage braces. At the start of your treatment, we will review a list of foods to avoid and foods that may need to be modified. It is important to follow these guidelines closely to help prevent issues.
In addition, oral habits like chewing on ice, biting pens, or nail biting can be harmful and may cause frequent breakages, potentially extending your treatment time and affecting the final outcome.
Although you will need to avoid some foods during treatment, there are still plenty of delicious and satisfying options to enjoy. Remember, maintaining a nutritious, well-balanced diet is not only important for your overall health but also plays a key role in the success of your orthodontic treatment.
| Avoid Sticky Foods | Avoid Hard or Tough Foods | Cut Into Small Pieces and Chew with Back Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Caramels | Pizza Crust | Apples |
| Candy bars with caramel | Nuts | Carrots |
| Fruit Roll-Ups | Hard Candy | Corn on the Cob |
| Gum | Corn Chips | Pizza |
| Candy or caramel apples | Ice Cubes | Pears |
| Skittles | Bagels | Celery |
| Starbursts | Popcorn Kernels | Chicken Wings |
| Toffee | Spare Ribs | |
| Gummy Bears |