When people hear they need braces, one of their first questions is, “What can I eat?” Certain foods are off limits for braces patients because they can harm brackets, wires, and bands.
To keep your orthodontics safe, you can enjoy some of your favorite flavors if you follow a few simple guidelines. Here are some tasty alternatives to brace-breaking foods, suggested by the orthodontists at Metropolitan Dental Care.
Top Snack Replacements for Orthodontic Patients
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Sugar Cravings? Skip the Caramels and Hard Candies
Since they are both sticky and hard, caramels can easily break brackets, pull out wires, and just wreck your braces. It is best to avoid caramel candies and other gooey goodies if you want to take good care of your braces.
Can’t beat that caramel craving? Switch to caramel pudding. You’ll get all the flavor and none of the hassle that comes from sticky candies. Your orthodontist will probably thank you, too.
If it’s candy you crave, opt for chocolate. Chocolate melts quickly and won’t harm braces. However, be sure to always brush and use your interdental flosser. For regular treats, keep sugar-free mints handy, but do not chew on hard mints or candy. It’s a bad habit that can break teeth, as well as braces.
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Just Say No to Hard Veggies
Raw vegetables are hard and often fibrous, so they can break your brackets and get stuck in your teeth. While brushing your teeth and flossing helps, it is often difficult to remove all the strands of celery or chunks of carrots out of your wires or brackets. When left behind, tiny particles of your favorite vegetables could create cavities under your braces.
Your orthodontist doesn’t want you to give up your favorite veggies. You just need to change how you eat them. Sauteed, steamed, or roasted veggies give you the flavors you’re craving without damaging your braces. Healthy, soft foods protect your dental health and fuel your body. If you still long for raw veggies, peal a cucumber and slice it up. Once you’ve removed the skin, you can munch away all you like.
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Crunch and Munch Movie Snacks
One wrong bite on a popcorn kernel could break a bracket. Even worse, a piece of the hull lodged in your brackets or wires could cause irritation, infections, and decay. Carmel corn and crunchy movie snacks like nachos are also hard and sticky, making them even worse for your teeth. If you want to avoid multiple trips to the orthodontist and potentially expensive repairs, say no to popcorn, carmel corn, and nachos.
Puffed corn is a great alternative to popcorn, carmel corn, or even nachos. You get the same taste and crunch without the risk of damaging your braces. Puffed corn comes in a variety of flavors to enjoy anywhere.
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Party Time Chips and Dips
Chips and dip are everywhere you go: football games, birthday parties, and even office parties. Unfortunately, chips are hard and brittle, so they get stuck under wires easily. Chips also turn into a paste as you chew them, making it difficult to remove all of the debris.
Pita bread is the perfect replacement for your favorite chips. You can still get all the flavor of your favorite dip without damaging your teeth. Pita is a favorite of orthodontists because it’s soft, versatile, and can allow patients to indulge without undoing all of their hard work. Peeled cucumber slices are also great chip alternatives. You’ll enjoy all the crunch and none of the hassle. As with all snacks, be sure to carefully floss and brush after you indulge.
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Grilling Out? Skip the Tough Meats
Steak, grilled pork, and even fried chicken can be hard on your braces. When meats are tough, they can pull off brackets or bend wires when you chew. Stringy meat can also get stuck in your teeth and wires.
You don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite meats. You simply have to change how you prepare them. If you crave steak, try a nice hamburger steak with gravy. If you love BBQ ribs, try BBQ chicken breast, cut into small pieces. Soft, roasted meats can satisfy your cravings without damaging your braces.
Get the Smile You Want While Enjoying the Foods You Crave
Are you concerned about food restrictions with your braces? Don’t worry. The orthodontists at Metropolitan Dental Care will help you every step of the way. We offer Invisalign clear braces as well as traditional orthodontics for adults and children.
Our team of experts provides dental and orthodontic care for our friends and neighbors in the Denver, Colorado area. Call us today at 303-534-2626 and mention that you’re interested in orthodontics. We’ll schedule your visit with one of our fantastic orthodontists who’ll answer all of your questions and help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
