Disallowed Foods With Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontic braces assist in aligning teeth and improving bite using appliances consisting of brackets, wires and ligatures. These devices must be properly maintained to remain effective. It is important to follow all dietary guidelines recommended by dental health practitioners, as eating disallowed foods with orthodontic braces can cause interruptions while undergoing treatment. These interruptions can mean more time in braces instead of flashing your new smile.

Hard Foods

• Hard candies can present complications with orthodontic braces.

  Hard foods are especially perilous to orthodontic braces as they can break brackets and loosen wires. Avoid popcorn, pretzels, nuts, candy and other hard foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment to prevent an additional trip to the orthodontist. Chips, waffle cones and thick breads can also cause damage, as can chewing ice cubes.

Sticky Foods

• Sticky foods can interfere with orthodontic braces.

  Sticky foods can wreak havoc by pulling orthodontic appliances apart. Gummy candies, caramels, peanut butter, chewing gum and taffies are not allowed while undergoing orthodontic treatment, as damage to appliances will increase treatment time and may require additional work to replace broken components.

Food and Beverages High in Sugar

• Sugary drinks like soda are damaging to teeth with orthodontic braces.

  Sugary foods and beverages are disallowed with orthodontic braces, as they can cause tooth decay in areas that are hard to clean while undergoing treatment as well as permanent stains due to acid-producing bacteria. Avoiding soda and candies and brushing immediately after consuming items high in sugar will help prevent decay. Sticking with sugar-free alternatives is a safe way to enjoy your favorite treats while maintaining your braces.

Food and Beverages That Stain

• Red wine is known for staining orthodontic brace equipment.

  Orthodontic braces with ceramic appliances and elastic ligatures are particularly susceptible to discoloration with everyday foods. Foods that are tomato based such as pizza and pastas with red sauce are especially staining, as are mustard, curry and artificial cheese products. Even some berry fruits can present staining issues. Beverages that can cause staining with orthodontic braces include red wine, coffee and tea. Staining can be prevented by avoiding these food and beverage items or rinsing thoroughly after consuming these items.

Hard-To-Chew-Foods

• Cut apples into small chewable bites when wearing orthodontic braces.

  Some everyday food items are hard to chew with orthodontic braces and may cause pain. Ribs, corn on the cob, large hoagie-style sandwiches, beef jerky, raw vegetables and even apples can present difficulties while wearing braces. If you choose to eat these hard-to-chew foods, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces, remove meat from the bone and remove corn from the cob prior to eating. This can help prevent damage to orthodontic braces.