What Can You Eat with Braces?

When you start your orthodontic treatment with braces, one of the first things that comes to mind is: what can I eat with braces? Getting used to braces can be overwhelming, especially when you are told some of your favorite foods might not be a good choice. Getting used to braces-friendly foods and what you should and shouldn't avoid with braces may be difficult. Knowing what to avoid with braces and ensuring you have quality braces-friendly foods will make your journey to a picture-perfect smile more enjoyable.

At ALIGNERCO , we understand that it is important you enjoy your meals while gaining that smile confidence. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about what you can eat with braces, what food you cannot eat with braces, and how to transition your food lifestyle with braces for easy and stress-free enjoyment.

What Can You Eat with Braces?

Braces work by providing consistent and gentle pressure that moves your teeth so they are aligned. During the first few days after having your braces applied, or after any adjustment, your teeth and gums may feel tender. Eating tender, easy-to-chew foods will help you avoid discomfort and lessen damage to your wires and brackets.

Braces-Friendly Foods

Some of the best braces-friendly foods include:

• Dairy Products – Yogurt, milk, cheese, and pudding are soft and packed with calcium.
• Soft Fruits – Bananas, kiwis, berries, and applesauce are easy to chew and nutritious.
• Cooked Vegetables – Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, peas, and spinach are great options.
• Soft Grains – Rice, pasta, oatmeal, pancakes, and soft bread are filling and gentle on your teeth.
• Tender Proteins – Eggs, fish, tofu, soft-cooked chicken, and beans provide essential nutrients.
• Desserts and Treats – Ice cream, soft brownies, and mousse are safe choices when enjoyed occasionally.

By sticking to these foods, you can reduce the risk of breaking your braces and make eating more comfortable.

What Foods Can You Not Eat with Braces?

Although braces are strong, they will not last if you are eating the wrong foods. You could break wires, loosen brackets, or trap food, which could lead to cavities and slow down your progress. Being informed about what foods can you not eat with braces is essential for keeping your treatment on track. Here are some foods that you can’t eat with braces:

• Hard Foods – Nuts, popcorn, hard candies, crusty bread, and raw carrots can damage your braces.
• Sticky Foods – Gum, caramel, gummy candies, and toffee can get stuck in the brackets and wires.
• Crunchy Snacks – Chips, pretzels, and popcorn are risky because they can break wires and brackets.
• Chewy Meats – Tough steak or jerky can be difficult to chew and may bend wires.

Avoiding these foods may feel like a sacrifice, but it prevents unnecessary visits to your orthodontist and ensures your braces work efficiently.

Tips for Eating Comfortably with Braces

Understanding what you can eat with braces is just the first step. Making small changes in how you eat can make your experience much easier.

• Cut Your Food into Smaller Pieces – Instead of biting directly into hard foods like apples, cut them into small slices.
• Chew Slowly and Carefully – Avoid using your front teeth for hard foods to protect your brackets.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Braces can trap food, so brushing and flossing after meals is essential.
• Choose Healthy Snacks – Soft smoothies, yogurt, or mashed avocados are excellent braces-friendly snack ideas.

What to Avoid with Braces vs. Braces-Friendly Foods

Knowing the difference between braces-friendly foods and things you can’t eat with braces allows you to make informed decisions. As a general rule of thumb, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods and stick to soft and easy-to-bite foods.

You will feel more soreness during the first few days after you get braces. During this initial time period, your best bet will be soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. This will settle down, and you will gradually be able to introduce more food options from the “foods you can’t eat with braces” list into your diet (with some exceptions, of course).

Thinking Beyond Braces: A Hassle-Free Alternative

Braces are a proven method for straightening teeth, but they come with a few limitations. You have to think about what you can eat with braces, what you cannot eat with braces, and maintain additional oral hygiene to avoid any staining around brackets. This is why many individuals are opting for clear aligners as a modern and convenient alternative.

With ALIGNERCO clear aligners, you can:

• Eat Whatever You Want - Simply remove your aligners for any meals. No need to avoid certain foods.
• Comfort and Convenience - No brackets or wires to irritate your mouth.
• Discreetly Straighten Teeth - Clear aligners are effectively invisible, which makes them a popular fit for teens and adults alike.
• Save Money and Time - ALIGNERCO provides one of the most affordable clear aligner treatments with remote monitoring.

If you want the benefits of braces without restrictions on food, ALIGNERCO is the service for you!

Why ALIGNERCO is the Smarter Choice

ALIGNERCO offers dentist-approved treatment plans that aim to create a straighter smile at a low price. With ALIGNERCO, you won't have to worry about what to avoid, as you would with traditional braces, and what foods you can't eat with braces.

All aligners are removable, so you can enjoy your favorite meals and snacks without compromise. You will also have the convenience of a tracking app to monitor yourself remotely, so you don’t have to attend a clinic multiple times throughout the treatment.

Eating with Braces: Do’s and Don’t’s

Understanding braces-friendly foods and what foods you cannot eat with braces is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. This can be a tough battle, but by eating braces-approved food and avoiding unsafe snacks, you are sure to benefit your braces and come out with the best orthodontic result possible.

However, if you want to skip the restrictions at meal times altogether, consider switching to ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners . Clear aligners are removable, comfortable, discreet, and allow you to continue eating all the foods you love, all while working towards your perfect smile!

Start your journey towards your confident smile by starting treatment with one of the most affordable clear aligner options.