Getting braces can be an adjustment, especially when it comes to your diet. If you’re about to get metal braces (ones with brackets and wire), there are certain foods to avoid. No more chewing on gum or crunching on hard chips- you’ll want to protect your mouth. However, there are plenty of foods that you can still enjoy! At Meister Orthodontics, we strive to educate all of our patients on what to do before, during, and after orthodontic treatment. Dr. Meister and staff provide customized treatments for everyone of all ages. Regardless of how old you are, and what type of braces you have, here is a list that can help you decide your diet habits daily.
Foods to Avoid
There are certain foods to avoid, such as ones that are chewy, hard, and sticky. This includes:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Taco shells
- Sticky and hard candy
- Gum
- Ice
- Pretzels
- Hard cookies, crackers, or chips
- Sticky or hard chocolate
- Raw vegetables*
- Croutons*
- Fruit*
- Hard rolls*
- Thin crust pizza*
- Meat*
- Burgers*
- Sub sandwiches*
- Corn on the cob*
*If possible, cut these foods into smaller bites.
Eating hard, chewy, and sticky foods can break the brackets and wires on your braces. It can also make it harder to clean your braces with sticky foods.
Foods to Enjoy
Keeping a healthy, nutritious diet is important for oral health and overall health. A proper diet provides essential nutrients to bones and tissues that are changing braces treatment.
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Soup
- Soft fruits, such as bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
- Light crackers or cookies
- Cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta and noodles
Get Orthodontic Care at Meister Orthodontics Today!
If you or someone you know wants to start orthodontic care, call Meister Orthodontics! We provide comprehensive, customizable services to those in and around St. Paul, MN area. If you have any questions or concerns about getting braces, contact us or make an appointment request. Our superb staff will get back to you as soon as possible! We can’t wait to work with you!