Deciding to get braces is a commitment toward a healthier smile one is proud to show off! San Antonio Orthodontics offers a variety of treatment options aimed at straightening teeth, including braces and clear aligners. While orthodontic appliances do the bulk of the work when it comes to shifting teeth, there are still things the patient has to keep in mind during treatment to ensure an optimal result. One of these things is being mindful of what they are eating. If you or someone in your family currently has braces or is thinking about looking further into orthodontic treatment, read on for more information on foods to avoid and what you can eat instead!
Tips For Eating with Braces
Our team at San Antonio Orthodontics wants to make sure our patients have all of the information needed for a comfortable, successful orthodontic treatment. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of foods to avoid while wearing braces and options for safer snacking instead!
A List of Don'ts When It Comes to Eating with Braces
The following types of food should be avoided while wearing braces. This list is not comprehensive but gives examples for a better understanding of the types of foods to avoid.
- Hard Foods: Ice cubes, nuts, crunchy fruits and vegetables, popcorn, hard candy.
- Sticky Foods: Bubble gum, taffy, caramel, licorice, etc.
- Chewy Foods: Soft pretzels, tough meat, pizza crust, bagels.
- Crunchy Foods: Granola bars, crackers, hard chips
- Sugary Foods: Candy, soda, high-sugar juice.
- Staining Foods: Coffee, tea, dark berries, and juice, tomato-based sauces.
While this list can seem daunting to some, remember that it’s just a temporary adjustment that will allow you to have a more effective treatment, leading to your end goal of a beautiful smile.
A List of Do’s When It Comes to Eating with Braces
Don’t worry—not all food and drinks are off-limits when you have braces! You can still enjoy plenty of delicious options, including:
- Soft Foods: Pudding, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs.
- Softened Foods: Steamed vegetables, soft spinach, leafy greens.
- Dairy: Milkshakes, cottage cheese, soft cheese.
- Fruits: Bananas, peaches, pears, melon, peeled & cut apples.
- Proteins: Softer meats such as chicken, ground beef, or fish; tofu; beans.
- Grains: Soft bread, al dente pasta, oatmeal.
The main goal is to choose foods that are soft and manageable. Some foods can still be consumed by changing how you prepare them. For example, cutting harder vegetables into smaller bites, cutting fruit instead of biting into it, or cooking in a way that makes the food softer. It’s important to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your braces or snacking on foods that can easily get stuck, potentially causing damage.
Learn More About Braces with San Antonio Orthodontics
There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to getting used to a life with braces, but the adjustment is worth the outcome! By following these food-related guidelines, you or your child will be one step closer to their ideal smile. Please contact the San Antonio Orthodontics office with any questions about food restrictions, braces care, or any other orthodontic need.
Explore our dental care financial and insurance options. To find out if braces are right for you or your family, schedule an appointment today! Our team is dedicated to helping you find the ideal orthodontic treatment. If you still have further questions, you can always check out our FAQs.