Getting braces is one of the best investments you can make in your smile — but it does come with a few lifestyle adjustments. One of the most important ones? Changing up your diet. At Haeger Orthodontics in Kent and Maple Valley, we make sure every patient knows exactly what to eat (and what to avoid) to protect their braces and keep treatment on track.
Why Food Choices Matter With Braces
The brackets and wires of traditional braces are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Certain foods can bend wires, pop off brackets, or get stuck in ways that are difficult to clean — all of which can extend your treatment time and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Foods That Are Safe to Eat
Good news: there are still plenty of delicious foods that are perfectly safe for braces patients:
- Soft fruits: bananas, berries, grapes, sliced peaches, and melons
- Vegetables: steamed broccoli, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, and soft cooked corn (off the cob)
- Dairy: yogurt, soft cheese, and milk — all great for your teeth
- Grains: pasta, soft rice, pancakes, and soft bread
- Proteins: fish, eggs, soft chicken, deli meats, and beans
- Treats: ice cream without hard mix-ins, pudding, soft brownies, and smoothies
Foods to Avoid With Braces
These are the biggest offenders when it comes to broken brackets and damaged wires:
- Hard foods: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, ice, and hard pretzels
- Chewy foods: bagels, gummy candy, caramel, taffy, and licorice
- Crunchy foods: raw carrots, apples (unless sliced thin), chips, and hard crackers
- Sticky foods: toffee, peanut butter (in large amounts), and gummy bears
- Sugary drinks: soda and sports drinks that increase the risk of tooth decay around brackets
Tips for Eating Comfortably
In the first few days after getting braces or after an adjustment, your teeth may be tender. Soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes are your best friends during this period. As you adjust, you’ll find it easy to work around the braces. Just remember: always cut hard foods into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
Keeping Your Teeth Clean After Eating
With braces, it’s especially important to brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. Food particles trapped around brackets and wires can lead to cavities and staining. Your Haeger Orthodontics team will show you the best techniques for cleaning your teeth during treatment.
Have questions about life with braces? Call Haeger Orthodontics at (253) 850-7043 (Kent) or (425) 433-8080 (Maple Valley). Our friendly team is always happy to help with tips, advice, and anything else you need during treatment.