As soon as my Chicago orthodontist patients start treatment, they wonder what foods to avoid with braces. Now, braces have come a long way since we were growing up. We have invisible braces, and clear braces. We use sturdier materials on metal braces, so you’re less likely to damage them with your diet. 

Still, there are several stages when you have to be careful with your braces diet. And worry about what not to eat with braces. Right after your child starts orthodontic treatment, there will be foods to avoid with braces. Some of those will be ok after your child adjusts to orthodontics, but some of these will be foods to avoid the whole time those braces are on. 

At the same time, I’ll suggest some foods to eat with braces right after your child gets his or her brackets on. Because, during this period, his or her teeth will be very sensitive, so some foods to eat with braces will be soothing. Then, after that adjustment period, I’ll answer your questions about what you can eat with braces for your entire time as my orthodontic patient.

Of course, every one of my patients is an individual. So, in my Chicago orthodontist office, I can tailor your braces diet to individual preferences. And I can help you protect your child’s teeth during treatment. But today, I’ll share some general guidelines about foods to eat with braces and what not to eat with braces. 

For the first few days after getting braces, your mouth and teeth may be sensitive. Also, chewing will feel different, which is why I always guide my Chicago orthodontist patients towards soft food during this time. 

Some of my favorite suggestions of what to eat with new braces include: 

This period of sensitivity should improve within a week. And then we can expand your diet. But during that first week, there will also be lots of foods to avoid with braces. 

When your teeth are still adjusting to orthodontics, some foods that will be ok later on might be irritating. So, during your adjustment to braces, there will be extra foods you’ll want to avoid.

Right after getting braces, don’t eat:

Once your teeth adjust to orthodontics, you’ll have many more foods to eat with braces. But some items will stay on the no-no list the whole time. Because they could damage your wires, brackets or bands. Or because they will make it too difficult to properly clean your teeth around the braces and maintain good oral hygiene. 

These include:

I also ask my Chicago orthodontist patients to cut down on their sugar. Because too much of that sweet stuff leads to plaque buildup. And it’s really hard to get rid of plaque with braces. Which makes you more likely to experience tooth decay. 

Well, now that we’ve got what not to eat with braces out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. What can I eat with braces, you may be wondering? The answer is, so many of your favorites are still fine to enjoy during orthodontic treatment! 

When you’re getting orthodontic treatment, I don’t want you to feel deprived. So take heart with all these great snacks and meals you can eat with braces: 

Just keep this in mind when you meal plan: healthy diets can lead to healthy mouths. If you are careful about the foods to avoid with braces, and make great dietary choices, your orthodontic treatment should run smoothly! And, as always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions about what to eat with braces, when to start braces, or anything else that comes up before or during treatment!