Got Braces? Avoid Eating These Foods During Your Treatment

Sadly, it’s true that during your treatment with braces, there are limitations on what you can eat. While many are reluctant to give up their favorite foods, the sacrifice for the time with braces is well worth the long-lasting smile which will be achieved. Many patients are also ill-informed on what foods are restricted with braces and believe the list is longer than it actually is. The truth is, there are many alternatives and foods still available to eat with braces! Dr. Bob Bryan of Lehigh Valley Orthodontics is here to share exactly what foods are allowed with braces and what the best foods to eat during orthodontic treatment with braces in Hamburg, PA.

Why are some foods limited?

Before diving into the list of foods which should be avoided and the list of the best foods to eat during your time with braces, Dr. Bob Bryan believes it is important for patients to know why these foods should be avoided. The three main groups that should be avoided with braces are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These should be avoided because they are can break your braces which can cause pain to the patient. These foods can also get easily stuck in your braces and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out.

What foods should be avoided?

Once again, the three main groups which should be avoided during your treatment with braces are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. Some examples of foods included in these categories which should be avoided are:

• Gum
  Popcorn
  Ice
  Caramel
  Pretzels
  Raw vegetables
  Steak
  Hard candies

However, some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided. One Lehigh Valley Orthodontics professional says that foods like vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten.

What are the best foods to eat during your treatment?

While many patients focus on the negatives and what foods to avoid, there are many delicious options for foods which can be eaten and are actually helpful towards braces. The best foods to eat during your treatment with braces in Hamburg, PA include:

• Bananas
  Yogurt
  Soup
  Cheese
  Pasta
  Mashed Potatoes

Dr. Bob Bryan mentions that there are also many complete dishes which can still be enjoyed during your orthodontic treatment. Some of these delicious meals include:

• Lasagna: Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft on your braces.

• Grilled Chicken and vegetables: While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, boneless meat and chicken can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables, such as broccoli, which are also good for your braces.

• Chicken Noodle Soup: Chicken noodle soup gives you many needed nutrients because of the chicken and vegetables which are included. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.

Dr. Bob Bryan wants to make sure that all of our patients with braces, and every patient, eats healthy and gets enough daily nutrients. Along with this, it is important to be careful of the foods you eat during your treatment with braces as some can damage your braces or prolong your treatment. However, there are many foods which are nutritious, taste delicious, and are good for your braces. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bob Bryan and Lehigh Valley Orthodontics in Hamburg, PA, please contact us by visiting our office or calling 610.562.5185.