Orthodontic treatment requires temporary lifestyle adjustments to ensure a successful outcome. Protecting the appliance from damage is necessary to maintain the scheduled treatment timeline and achieve the desired dental alignment. Dietary considerations are an important part of daily care when wearing braces. Certain foods can compromise the hardware, leading to treatment delays and unexpected visits for repairs.
The Impact of Chewy and Sticky Foods on Braces
Gummy worms and similar chewy candies are generally prohibited throughout orthodontic treatment due to their physical properties. The sticky and elastic consistency of these foods creates mechanical risks for the hardware. When a person bites and pulls on these treats, the adhesive nature of the candy can exert significant force on the brackets, potentially causing them to detach from the tooth surface.
This detachment immediately disrupts the intended forces necessary for tooth movement. The act of chewing these elastic foods can place excessive strain on the archwires that connect the brackets, causing them to bend, loosen, or even break. Damaged or bent wires can misdirect the forces intended for alignment, which prolongs the treatment duration and can increase discomfort.
Beyond the structural damage, sticky residues are easily trapped around the metal components of the braces. This trapped sugar residue makes thorough cleaning extremely difficult, creating an environment where oral bacteria rapidly thrive. Increased bacterial activity leads to plaque buildup and a greater risk of tooth decay (decalcification), which can leave permanent white spots on the enamel after the braces are removed.
Satisfying Sweet Cravings Safely
Individuals with braces can still enjoy sweet treats by choosing options that are gentle on the orthodontic appliances. Soft chocolates, particularly those without nuts or sticky caramel, are safe because they melt readily at body temperature, minimizing the required chewing force. Chocolate can be placed directly on the tongue and allowed to dissolve instead of being bitten, which reduces mechanical stress on the brackets.
Frozen desserts like ice cream, frozen yogurt, and fruit smoothies are excellent choices for satisfying a sweet craving, provided they do not contain hard components like candy pieces or nuts. The smooth, soft texture of these cold treats is non-damaging to the wires and brackets. Other compliant alternatives include creamy desserts such as pudding, custard, and gelatin.
Soft baked goods, such as fluffy cakes, muffins, or cookies that are not overly crunchy, can also be consumed safely. The goal is to select foods that require minimal biting and chewing, preventing mechanical stress on the brackets and wires.