Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but it does come with a few changes to your daily routine. Along with keeping your teeth clean and following your orthodontist’s instructions, knowing what to eat with braces can help protect your brackets and wires throughout treatment.
The good news? You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods! With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy plenty of delicious meals and snacks while taking care of your braces.
What Foods Should You Avoid With Braces?
Some foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or become trapped around orthodontic appliances. Avoiding certain foods helps protect your braces and reduces the risk of unexpected repairs.
In general, steer clear of these foods while wearing braces:
- Sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, gummy candies, and sticky sweets can cling to brackets and wires.
- Hard foods: Hard candies, ice, and unpopped popcorn kernels can damage orthodontic appliances.
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn, hard pretzels, and very crunchy snacks may put too much pressure on brackets.
- Chewy foods: Chewing gum and particularly tough or chewy candies can pull on braces.
- Foods that require biting directly with your front teeth: Whole apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob, and similar foods should be prepared differently to avoid damaging your appliances.
You don’t necessarily have to eliminate every fruit or crunchy vegetable from your diet. Cutting foods into small, manageable pieces or cooking them until tender can make many options easier to eat.
For a more comprehensive list, including specific foods to avoid and safer alternatives, read our guide: List of Foods to Avoid With Braces.
What Foods Can You Eat With Braces?
There are plenty of braces-friendly foods to enjoy! As a general rule, choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, and unlikely to put excessive pressure on your brackets.
Soft Fruits and Vegetables
You can still enjoy fruits and vegetables while wearing braces. Try options such as:
- Bananas, berries, and other soft fruits
- Applesauce
- Steamed spinach and other tender cooked vegetables
- Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Soft-cooked carrots
- Avocado
Remember to cut firmer fruits and vegetables into small pieces instead of biting directly into them.
Dairy Products and Soft Foods
Many dairy products are easy to enjoy with braces. Consider adding these options to your meals and snacks:
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses
- Pudding
- Smoothies
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
These foods can be especially helpful during the first few days after getting braces or following an adjustment, when your teeth may feel tender.
Protein-Rich Foods
You can still get plenty of protein without eating tough or chewy meats. Braces-friendly choices include:
- Soft-cooked chicken cut into small pieces
- Ground beef or turkey
- Meatballs
- Fish, including salmon and tuna
- Eggs
- Beans and lentils
- Soft tofu
Preparing meat until tender and cutting it into bite-sized pieces can make meals more comfortable.
Grains, Bread, and Other Meal Favorites
You don’t have to give up your favorite meals just because you have braces. Try softer options such as:
- Pasta and macaroni and cheese
- Rice
- Pancakes
- Soft bread and tortillas
- Oatmeal
- Soft casseroles
- Soups and stews
Choose softer preparations and avoid hard crusts or chewy textures that could put pressure on your brackets.
Tips for Eating Comfortably With Braces
Making a few small changes can help you enjoy meals while protecting your orthodontic appliances.
1. Cut food into smaller pieces. Instead of biting directly into whole apples, sandwiches with hard crusts, or raw vegetables, cut them into manageable pieces.
2. Chew carefully. Take smaller bites, chew slowly, and use your back teeth when appropriate rather than biting forcefully with your front teeth.
3. Choose softer meals when your teeth feel sore. Tender pasta, scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups may be more comfortable after an adjustment.
4. Keep your braces clean. Food can collect around brackets and wires, so brush carefully after meals when possible and clean between your teeth as recommended by your orthodontic team.
5. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Your orthodontic team can help you understand which foods to avoid based on your specific appliances and treatment plan.
Enjoy Life With Braces at Unique Orthodontics
Wearing braces requires a little extra care, but it doesn’t mean giving up delicious meals. By choosing braces-friendly foods, preparing firmer foods safely, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help protect your appliances while working toward your new smile.
At Unique Orthodontics, we help children, teens, and adults throughout California’s Central Valley navigate orthodontic treatment with personalized care and guidance. Our team offers complimentary consultations to help you explore your options.
Thinking about getting braces? Contact Unique Orthodontics to schedule your complimentary consultation or call (559) 222-2522 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating With Braces
What foods can you eat with braces?
You can eat many soft foods with braces, including yogurt, eggs, pasta, rice, soft-cooked vegetables, bananas, fish, and tender meats. Cutting firmer foods into small pieces can make them easier to eat safely.
What foods should you avoid when you have braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and very crunchy foods that can damage brackets or wires. Examples include hard candy, caramel, taffy, popcorn kernels, chewing ice, and sticky gummy candies.
Can you eat apples and carrots with braces?
Yes, in many cases. Instead of biting into a whole apple or a raw carrot, cut the food into small pieces or cook it until tender to reduce pressure on your braces.
What should you eat after getting braces?
Soft foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, pasta, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups may be more comfortable during the first few days, when your teeth may feel sore.
Can you eat meat with braces?
Yes. Choose tender meats such as soft-cooked chicken, ground beef, meatballs, and fish. Cut meat into small pieces and avoid biting into tough or chewy portions.
Where can I find a complete list of foods to avoid with braces?
Visit our complete guide to foods to avoid with braces for more detailed recommendations and tips on protecting your orthodontic appliances.