An Orthodontist’s Braces-Friendly Food Guide

For many, orthodontic treatment is an exciting journey towards a straighter, healthier smile. But with those new braces comes a bit of an adjustment period, especially when it comes to food. Certain foods can damage your braces, prolong treatment, and cause discomfort.

As your orthodontist, I want to help you navigate this new diet. Here's a breakdown of the top foods to avoid while rocking braces:

The Braces B-B-B-est: No Biting, No Breaking, No Bending!

Hard Foods: Think nuts, hard pretzels, popcorn kernels, and raw carrots. These can crack brackets, bend wires, or loosen everything up.

Sticky Sweets: Caramels, gummy bears, and taffy are all culprits. They can get stuck in your braces, be difficult to remove, and increase your risk of cavities.

Chewy Treats: Bubblegum and chewy candies put a lot of strain on your braces, potentially dislodging brackets or wires.

Beyond the B's: Other Sneaky Culprits

Ice: Crunching on ice can damage both your braces and teeth. Opt for crushed ice or chilled beverages instead.

Corn on the Cob: The cob itself poses a risk of damaging your braces if you bite into it directly. Enjoy corn kernels cut off the cob.

Hard Crusts: Pizza crusts and hard bagels can be tough to bite through and may put extra pressure on your brackets. Opt for softer breads or cut the crust off.

Temporary Tweaks, Lasting Results: Choose Braces-Friendly Foods

Remember: This is only temporary! With a little planning and creativity, you can still enjoy a variety of delicious foods during orthodontic treatment. Here's a quick tip: If you're unsure about a food, it's always best to err on the side of caution and cut it into small pieces or avoid it altogether.

Maintaining a braces-friendly diet is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. By following these guidelines, you'll help ensure a smooth journey towards your perfect smile. If you have any questions or concerns about what foods to avoid, don't hesitate to reach out to my office!

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Karen Conn, DMD, MS is a Board-certified orthodontist and co-owner of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics (Bryn Mawr, PA), where she specializes in Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults. She has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist, Main Line Today Top Dentist, Suburban Family Top Orthodontist, and is among the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign providers. Dr. Conn received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Temple University, where she also earned a master's degree in Oral Biology.

Bryn Mawr Orthodontics is an award-winning practice that was voted the Best Orthodontist in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2024 Philly Favorites contest. Bryn Mawr Orthodontics serves its neighbors in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

To learn more about Bryn Mawr Orthodontics, visit https://www.brynmawrorthodontics.com/. Contact the office today (484-383-0055) or complete this form to schedule a free consultation.