Designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth and correct a variety of dental issues, explore everything you need to know about the dental veneers process.

Did your dentist recommend braces to help align your teeth or correct a dental problem, such as an overbite?

If so, you have more options than you did even a few years ago. Depending on your condition, you may even be able to select Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your smile.

Either way, orthodontic treatments can take a little while to get used to. One of the biggest adjustments? Navigating what you can eat, and which foods you should avoid for the time being.

Today, we're taking the guesswork out of this step! This quick guide can help you understand how to choose foods that work best with your braces or Invisalign. This way, you can still enjoy many of the tastes you love without worrying about damaging your new investment!

Foods to Eat and Avoid Right After Getting Braces

While the process of getting braces and/or Invisalign doesn't hurt, it can leave your mouth a little sensitive in the days that follow.

As such, it's best to stick to soft, creamy foods that don't have much texture or require a lot of chewing. What can you eat with braces right when you get home? Some of your top picks might include:

Remember: The goal is to chew as little as possible during these first few days. This puts less stress on your teeth, gums, and jaw and gives your mouth time to heal. This means that most tough or chewy are out, including crusty bread or thick cuts of meat.

At the same time, it's also best to avoid foods that could make your teeth extra-sensitive. For instance, ice cream will be too cold, while spicy or citrusy foods could also cause irritation. Stick to bland foods if possible and keep in mind that this diet isn't forever!

Foods to Avoid While You Wear Braces

After a few weeks, any initial sensitivity should subside. From that point forward, you are free to choose a wider variety of foods and beverages to enjoy. Still, not every option is an ideal fit.

Can you eat chips with braces? What about your favorite sub sandwich? What candy can you eat with braces?

Before you chow down, read up. A little research can help you avoid the long and difficult process of adjusting your braces and can help keep your teeth in top condition.

In general, it's best to steer clear of foods that are too sticky, such as bubblegum or hard, chewy candy. These can get stuck in your braces and become painful, and they can also cause damage that could be costly to correct. Other foods that are best reserved for your "After Braces" feast include:

Nuts
Popcorn
Ice
Hard rolls and bagels
Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables
Crackers and pretzels

While you're at it, don't forget to take a closer look at the drinks you're adding to each meal.

To the greatest extent possible, try to stick to water. An excessive number of soft drinks and fruit juices can create plaque on your teeth. Plaque forms when the bacteria in your mouth interact with the sugars from these beverages, coating each tooth with a sticky film that can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Along the same lines, be conscious of the number of sweet desserts you're consuming, as those also contain added sugars that can contribute to plaque build-up.

Foods to Eat with Braces

So, what can you eat with braces? While it might seem like the list of banned foods is a mile long, the good news is that there are plenty of foods that play nicely with your treatment. You don't have to cut out grains altogether or skip meats.

Let's take a look at the best options in each of the main food categories.

Dairy

Milk does a body good! Stick to soft cheeses and pudding, as well as milk-based drinks.

Bread and Grains

Cut out the hard pretzels and crusty French loaf. But, you're still free to indulge in soft tortillas, pancakes, nut-free muffins, and pasta!

Meat

Your best bets are cooked chicken and other softer forms of meat, such as meatballs and thinly-sliced deli meats. You can also eat tuna fish, salmon and crab cakes.

Fruits and Vegetables

As long as they're soft or cooked, most fruits and veggies are fine. For fruits, try reaching for bananas or applesauce, while beans or steamed spinach make great vegetable sides.

Snacks

Can you eat chips with braces? The short answer is "yes", but not all of them. Avoid restaurant-style tortilla chips, as these can be too hard and sharp for your mouth.

Instead, try softer versions, such as Pringles or Cheetos!

Desserts

A small square of plain chocolate is often enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and shouldn't bother your braces. You can also snack on marshmallows, cake, or popsicles.

Even with these options, a common question still arises: What candy can you eat with braces?

You should avoid sticky candy, such as caramels, Starbursts, licorice, Tootsie Rolls, and Now and Laters. Still, that doesn't mean that all candy is off-limits.

Set your sights on soft chocolate candy, such as plain M&Ms, Hershey Kisses, Reese Cups, or 3 Musketeer Bars. You can also eat soft cookies or pudding without reservation.

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Even if you stick to this list and only eat foods that work well with your braces, it's still critical to brush and floss your teeth after every meal.

Doing so will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, and can ensure that your braces will last as long as they're intended. Your orthodontist can recommend a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss or Waterpik that fits your needs.

Visit Us for a Consultation Today

Are you interested in achieving a straighter, more vibrant smile? If so, our team would love to help.

The Complete Health Dentistry of NEPA in Honesdale, PA offers teeth-straightening methods, including Braces and Invisalign. When you're ready to learn more, feel free to contact us and let's take this next step together.

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