It’s true: the start of braces means the end of hard, sticky, and chewy foods – at least temporarily. After all, caramel apples, popcorn, and other snacks can tug on or break your braces, increasing your chances of experiencing an orthodontic emergency. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious, nutritious, and braces-friendly foods you can enjoy in the meantime. To learn what they are, read on!
Braces-Friendly Breakfast Items
Do you have a big appetite when you wake up? Good news: many breakfast staples are braces-friendly! A few examples include:
- Pancakes
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled Eggs
- French Toast
- Acai Bowls (without nuts, seeds, or granola)
Braces-Friendly Lunches & Dinners
If you have a larger appetite around lunch and dinner, then consider filling your plate with:
- Pasta (i.e., spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, lasagna)
- Vegetable soup
- Salmon, cooked broccoli, and rice
- Chicken, cooked green beans, and mashed potatoes
- Quesadillas
Braces-Friendly Snacks
When your stomach starts to grumble between meals, opt for:
- Soft fresh fruit, like kiwi
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Nut-free muffins
- Applesauce
What to Do If You Experience an Orthodontic Emergency
If you do experience an orthodontic emergency (like a loose bracket or broken wire) while eating, do your best not to panic. Instead, do your best to assess the damage. If it’s a “straightforward” orthodontic emergency, then call your orthodontist and explain your situation. If you’re struggling with uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, or another potentially life-threatening injury, then call 911 or head to your nearest ER. Although there likely won’t be an orthodontist on staff to fix your braces, they can provide you with the medical attention you need in the meantime.
At first, cutting out all hard, sticky, and crunchy foods may seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives that are delicious, nutritious, and braces-friendly!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Orthodontics is here to help you with everything from your first consultation to urgent orthodontic care. Since the latter is often more stressful, we prioritize patient education to help you avoid ever breaking a bracket or wire, including sharing which foods are braces-friendly! If you have a question about the dietary restrictions with braces or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 429-7800.