Proper Diet while Undergoing Orthodontics

Many people undergo orthodontic treatment during childhood, adolescence, and even into adulthood. Wearing orthodontic appliances like braces is sure to produce a beautiful smile. Though orthodontic treatments at The Brace Place are designed to accommodate your lifestyle, chances are you will need to make some dietary modifications to prevent damage to your braces and prolong orthodontic treatment.

The First Few Days with Braces

The first few days wearing braces may be the most restrictive. During this time, the adhesive is still curing, which means you will need to consume only soft foods. This probably will not be a problem, however, as your teeth may be tender or sensitive while adjusting to the appliances.

Orthodontic Dietary Restrictions

You can eat most foods normally the way you did without braces. However, some foods can damage orthodontic appliances or cause them to come loose. Examples of foods you will need to avoid include:

  • Chewy foods like taffy, chewing gum, beef jerky, and bagels
  • Hard foods like peanuts, ice chips, and hard candy
  • Crunchy foods like chips, apples, and carrots

How to Continue to Eat the Foods You Love Most

Keep in mind that you may still be able to enjoy some of the foods you love by making certain modifications to the way you eat them. For example, steaming or roasting carrots makes them softer and easier to consume with braces. Similarly, you can remove corn from the cob, or cut up produce like apples and pears to avoid biting into them. Other tips include grinding nuts into your yogurt or dipping hard cookies into milk to soften them. If you must eat hard candies, simply suck on them instead of biting into them.

If you have any question whether a food is safe to eat during your treatment with The Brace Place, we encourage you to err on the side of caution. Of course, you can always contact our Bend, Redmond, Prineville, La Pine or Sisters OR office with any questions you have about your diet and the foods that should be avoided during treatment. By following our dietary instructions and protecting your orthodontic appliances from damage, you will be back to chewing gum in no time.

doctor and happy patient

“I just really appreciate everyone here and the kindness you've shown to our girls. I know their parents would be so happy to know they get such great care. The doctors always go way out of their way to help us every time.”~ Allison

“We just love it here! The honesty is great. I love that we don't feel taken advantage of, which unfortunately we have been elsewhere. You have a great staff and we think the best of you! Keep up the good work. The doctors are always wonderful and never rushed, which I love!”~ The Goff Fmamily

“I may not have been to other orthodontists, but from what I hear from my friends and family, The Brace Place seems the best. Every time you walk in you are greeted with a smile, shich always starts your day off right. Couldn't ask for a better staff!”~ Diane E.

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Invisalign iTero American Association of Orthodontists Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Cenral Oregon Dental Society