What Can I Eat with Traditional Metal Braces?
If you’ve recently started , you might be wondering how your diet will need to change—especially if you’re wearing traditional metal braces. Certain foods can damage your brackets and wires or make cleaning your teeth more difficult. Fortunately, there are still plenty of delicious options you can enjoy while keeping your braces and smile in great shape. Our orthodontist in St. Johns, FL, Dr. Shih, provides expert guidance on how to navigate mealtimes with —and also offers clear aligners as an option for patients who prefer fewer dietary restrictions.
Foods to Enjoy with Braces
While some adjustments are necessary, there’s still a wide variety of braces-friendly foods that are safe to eat. Soft foods are generally the best choice, especially right after your metal braces are adjusted and your teeth may feel more sensitive.
Here are some examples of safe options:
- Dairy: Yogurt, cheese, and milkshakes
- Grains: Pasta, rice, soft breads, and pancakes
- Fruits: Bananas, applesauce, berries, and seedless watermelon
- Vegetables: Cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli
- Proteins: Soft meats, eggs, tofu, and flaky fish
- Treats: Ice cream (without nuts or hard mix-ins), pudding, and soft cookies
By sticking with these softer foods, you’ll reduce the risk of breaking a bracket and keep your braces in good condition. For more suggestions, please feel free to ask our team during your next appointment.
Foods to Avoid with Metal Braces
There are certain foods you should avoid while wearing traditional metal braces. These items can damage your brackets and wires or become lodged in hard-to-reach places, increasing your risk for cavities and gum issues.
Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, hard candies, raw carrots, and ice
- Sticky foods: Gum, caramel, taffy, and gummy candies
- Chewy foods: Bagels, licorice, and thick-crusted breads
- Crunchy foods: Chips, pretzels, and hard taco shells
- Foods you bite into: Corn on the cob, apples (unless cut into small pieces), and whole pears
Making these dietary adjustments will help you avoid emergency trips to the orthodontist and keep your treatment on track.
Clear Aligners: A Flexible Alternative
If the idea of food restrictions seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many patients choose clear aligners because they’re removable and allow you to continue eating all your favorite foods without worry.
Simply remove your aligners before meals, enjoy your food, brush and floss afterward, and then pop the aligners back in. Dr. Shih offers clear aligner treatment to eligible patients who want a more flexible and discreet orthodontic experience.
Request an Orthodontic Consultation
Whether you choose metal braces or clear aligners, maintaining your dental health during treatment is essential. Knowing what you can and can’t eat is the first step in protecting your orthodontic investment.
Our , Dr. Shih, is here to support you throughout your smile journey—helping you choose the best treatment option and providing expert tips on how to care for your teeth every step of the way. Call Jacksonville Modern Orthodontics at (904) 712-0060 or fill out our online contact form to get started.