Foods to Avoid with Braces
Protect your braces and avoid emergency visits by knowing which foods to skip during treatment.
What If My Retainer Breaks or Gets Lost?
Broken brackets and bent wires aren't just inconvenient - they can:
- Extend your treatment time by several months
- Require extra emergency appointments
- Cause discomfort and pain
- Result in additional fees for repairs
The good news? Most of your favorite foods can still be enjoyed with small modifications!
Foods to Avoid
Hard Foods
Can break brackets and bend wires
Ice
Hard candy
Nuts
Popcorn kernels
Hard pretzels
Hard cookies
Corn chips
Sticky Foods
Can pull brackets off and get stuck in wires
Caramel
Taffy
Gum
Gummy bears
Tootsie Rolls
Licorice
Starburst
Chewy Foods
Put excessive pressure on brackets
Bagels
Hard rolls
Pizza crust
Beef jerky
Licorice
Foods You Bite Into
Direct pressure can damage brackets - cut into small pieces instead!
Whole apples
Corn on the cob
Whole carrots
Hard taco shells
Whole pears
Braces-Friendly Foods
Soft Proteins
Chicken
Fish
Eggs
Tofu
Beans
Lunch meat
Soft-cooked beef
Dairy
Dairy
Cheese
Yogurt
Pudding
Ice cream
Smoothies
Soft Fruits
Bananas
Berries
Grapes
Melon
Peaches
Kiwi
Applesauce
Cooked Vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Mashed potatoes
Cooked carrots
Green beans
Squash
Grains & Breads
Pasta
Rice
Soft bread
Pancakes
Soft tortillas
Muffins
Treats (in moderation)
Soft cookies
Cake
Brownies
Jello
Milkshakes
Soft chocolate
Smart Food Modifications
Instead of This...
Whole apple
Biting can break brackets
Corn on the cob
Direct pressure damages wires
Hard taco shell
Too crunchy and hard
Whole carrots
Too hard to bite
Try This!
Sliced apples
Cut into small, bite-sized pieces
Corn kernels
Cut off the cob before eating
Soft tortilla
Make a soft taco or burrito instead
Cooked or shredded carrots
Steam until soft or grate for salads
Pro Tips for Eating with Braces
- 1.Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces
- 2. Chew with your back teeth, not your front teeth
- 3. Take smaller bites than usual
- 4. Eat slowly and chew carefully
- 5. Keep orthodontic wax handy for comfort
- 6. Brush after every meal to remove food particles
Remember: It's Temporary!
These food restrictions are only for the duration of your treatment. Soon you'll be able to enjoy all your favorite foods with a beautiful, confident smile!