What Can You Eat With Braces? A Guide to Braces-Friendly Foods
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but it can also come with a few changes to your daily routine. One of the biggest questions we hear from patients and parents is: “What can I eat with braces?”
The good news is that having braces doesn’t mean giving up all of your favorite foods. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy plenty of delicious and nutritious options while protecting your braces and keeping your treatment on track.
Braces-Friendly Foods You Can Enjoy
During orthodontic treatment, it’s best to choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, and unlikely to damage your brackets or wires.
Some great options include:
- Soft fruits such as bananas, berries, and sliced peaches
- Cooked vegetables
- Yogurt and soft cheeses
- Eggs
- Pasta and rice
- Soft breads and tortillas
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
- Tender chicken, fish, and other soft meats
- Soups
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft sandwiches cut into smaller pieces
You don’t have to eat the same meals every day. There are plenty of creative ways to make your meals both braces-friendly and enjoyable.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
Some foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or become stuck between your teeth and braces. During treatment, we recommend avoiding foods that are particularly hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy.
These may include:
- Hard candy
- Caramels and other sticky candies
- Chewing gum
- Popcorn, especially unpopped kernels
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard pretzels
- Very crunchy chips
- Hard taco shells
- Whole raw carrots and apples
You don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to foods like apples and carrots. Instead, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces rather than biting directly into them with your front teeth.
What About Pizza, Burgers, and Other Favorite Foods?
You can still enjoy many of your favorite foods while wearing braces. The key is preparation.
For example, cut pizza into smaller pieces and avoid biting directly into very hard crust. Burgers and sandwiches are usually easier to eat when they’re cut into manageable pieces.
If you’re unsure whether a particular food is safe for your braces, it’s always better to ask your orthodontic team.
Why Food Choices Matter
Taking care of your braces isn’t just about avoiding broken brackets. Your diet also plays an important role in maintaining good oral health throughout treatment.
Sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Since braces can make cleaning around your teeth more challenging, it’s especially important to brush carefully and maintain good oral hygiene.
Remember: braces are temporary, but your smile is for life!
A little extra care during treatment can help keep your teeth healthy and your orthodontic treatment progressing as planned.
What If You Break a Bracket?
Even with careful eating, accidents can happen. If you accidentally damage a bracket or wire, don’t panic.
Contact your orthodontic office and let the team know what happened. Avoid trying to fix or remove anything yourself unless your orthodontist has specifically instructed you to do so.
The sooner your orthodontic team knows about a problem, the sooner they can determine whether you need an appointment.
Enjoy Your Food—and Your New Smile!
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying food. By choosing braces-friendly options, cutting certain foods into smaller pieces, and avoiding foods that can damage your appliances, you can make your orthodontic journey much easier.
At MVP Orthodontics, we’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident throughout every step of treatment. If you have questions about what you can eat with braces—or anything else related to your orthodontic care—our team is happy to help.
Ready to take the next step toward your best smile? Contact MVP Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.