Many patients with metal braces worry that they’re not going to be able to eat their favorite foods. The truth is that while you will have some dietary restrictions, this period of your life is temporary and will be well worth the beautiful results. In general, our orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI, recommends that you avoid foods that are sticky and/or difficult to chew.
Here are some of the most common foods patients ask about.
Healthy Foods to Enjoy
When you first get orthodontic braces, your teeth may feel sore for a few hours or days. Likewise, you may experience discomfort when your are adjusted. For this reason, it’s best to keep some foods in the house that are nutritious, delicious, and easy to chew.
Here are some healthy foods that we recommend trying:
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft cheeses
- Soft fruits
- Seafood
- Pasta
For more food recommendations, don’t be afraid to ask our Ann Arbor orthodontist during your next visit.
Foods to Avoid
A lot of patients moan and groan when they hear about their dietary restrictions. However, it’s important that you avoid certain foods while you have metal orthodontic braces.
Foods to avoid with metal dental braces include:
- Nuts
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gum
- Ice cubes
- Popcorn
- Crunchy vegetables
- Apples and other hard fruits
Being mindful about what you eat will help you avoid orthodontic emergencies, such as a loose wire or bracket. Likewise, eating softer foods can help you avoid pain and discomfort.
Comfort Foods to Savor
We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about some of our patients’ favorite comfort foods. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list but meant to give you a general guideline of the kinds of comfort foods you can eat with traditional metal braces.
Pizza
Most pizzas are fine for orthodontic patients. Feel free to pile on the cheese, pepperonis, and other toppings for a delicious meal. If the pizza has a thick crust, we recommend that you eat around it. Thin crust pizza is fine.
Potato Chips
While not the healthiest snack, chips are fine for orthodontic patients who want to indulge in a crunchy treat. Avoid thick, ripple-cut chips for the best results. Otherwise, a robust chip may damage your metal wires and brackets.
Chocolate
We recommend pure milk chocolate, peanut butter cups, or other soft treats that melt in your mouth. Avoid chocolate with nuts or gooey caramel. Also, be mindful of where your chocolate is stored. It’s much easier to chew chocolate at room temperature than to eat chocolate after it’s been chilled in the fridge.
Book a Consultation for Metal Braces
Want to learn more about ? Our orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI, is accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your treatment options. To schedule an appointment, please call Enhance Orthodontics at (734) 821-7684. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.