At Heller Orthodontics, your Bethesda and Laurel braces and Invisalign provider, we believe it is important to provide you with good information about your orthodontic treatment in addition to the highest-quality care. Orthodontic treatment is a journey, and we need to work together to ensure it leads to a dazzling new smile. Watching what you eat is an important part of the process, so the following are tips from your orthodontist of foods that you should avoid while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Watch What You Eat
While braces are made from strong materials and are attached to the teeth with powerful dental cement, they're not indestructible — and certain foods can damage or even break your braces. While you're wearing braces, you'll need to avoid any foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, gooey, or full of sugars or carbohydrates. These foods carry a risk of damaging the components of your braces, while sugary foods increase the risk of tooth decay, which can derail your orthodontic treatment.
Sticky Foods to Avoid
Chewy, sticky candies can dislodge wires or damage brackets, as well as putting you at greater risk for tooth decay. These types of candy include:
- Starburst
- Licorice
- Bubble Gum (even sugar-free)
- Taffy
- Tootsie Rolls
- Toffees
- Caramels
Hard Foods to Avoid
Hard, crunchy foods may cause damage to brackets or wires as you chew. This includes food such as:
- Pizza crusts
- Hard taco shells
- Hard candies
- Corn on the cob
- Ice
- Chips and hard pretzels
- Nuts
- Raw carrots or apples (these are acceptable if cut into small slices)
- French bread or crusted rolls
Sugary Foods to Cut Back On
While these foods may not cause direct damage to your braces, they do create a greater risk of tooth decay around your brackets.
- Candy
- Ice Cream
- Pie
- Cake
- Cookies
- Sweet tea
- Kool-Aid
- Soft Drinks
- Sports drinks
Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list, but a guide to help you identify foods that can cause harm to your braces. In addition to watching the food you eat, it's also important to avoid chewing on objects like pencils, pens, or even your fingernails, as these can also damage your braces.
If you do damage your braces, we are here to help. Contact us immediately so that we can repair your braces quickly before it impacts your orthodontic treatment.
Schedule an Appointment with your Laurel and Bethesda Orthodontics Provider Today!
As your Invisalign and braces provider, Heller Orthodontics is here to help you achieve a healthy, radiant new smile. We’ll guide you end-to-end through your orthodontic treatment and answer any questions about the process.
If you are looking for a leading orthodontist in Bethesda or Laurel, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Heller and our team look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.