Foods That Can Lead to Broken Braces

Getting braces is a brave and important step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile. While the process takes time and requires patience, the results are well worth it. Braces help correct misaligned teeth, improving both your appearance and your overall oral health.

However, wearing braces comes with responsibilities—especially when it comes to your diet. Not all foods are created equal. Some can damage the wires and brackets of your braces, leading to discomfort, delays in treatment, and additional visits to the orthodontist. Being aware of what to avoid can save you time, money, and frustration.

Foods to Stay Away From

• Chewing Gum:
  Gum may be a favorite treat for many, but it’s one of the worst offenders when it comes to damaging braces. It sticks to brackets and wires, making it difficult to remove and potentially causing breakage.
• Whole Fruits & Vegetables:
  Foods like apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and veggies can put too much pressure on your braces. These should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before eating to avoid damaging your wires.
• Hard Foods:
  Items such as tortilla chips, popcorn, nuts, hard candies, ice cubes, and even some crunchy cookies or biscuits can crack or dislodge braces. It’s best to avoid these entirely until your treatment is complete.

Play It Safe to Protect Your Progress

Remember, braces are only temporary, but damaging them can prolong your treatment. By avoiding certain foods and sticking to softer alternatives, you'll help ensure a smooth, effective orthodontic experience. Once your braces are off, you can enjoy all your favorite foods again—this time with a beautiful, straight smile!

Have questions about what you can or can't eat with braces? Contact our office—we're here to support you every step of the way.