Orthodontic treatment involves fitting hardware, such as brackets and wires, onto the teeth to gently guide them into alignment. This process requires a temporary change in diet to protect the appliances and ensure the therapy progresses as planned. Foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, or sticky must generally be avoided throughout the treatment period. The question of whether people with braces can eat gummies is common, as these candies pose a direct challenge to the orthodontic system.
The Mechanical Challenge of Sticky and Chewy Foods
Gummies and similar chewy candies present a physical threat to braces due to their high elasticity and adhesiveness. These foods are formulated with ingredients like gelatin and corn syrup, which create a tenacious, glue-like texture when chewed. This sticky consistency allows the candy to cling aggressively to the metal brackets and the archwire.
Chewing sticky food creates significant pulling and stretching forces on the hardware. As the jaw opens, the candy attempts to maintain its connection to the tooth surface and the bracket, exerting a direct tugging action on the appliance. This mechanical strain places excessive stress on the bond between the bracket and the tooth enamel. Furthermore, the elastic nature of the candy makes it very difficult to dislodge from the complex structure of the wires and brackets.
Specific Risks to Braces and Dental Health
The physical interaction between sticky candies and orthodontic hardware results in two distinct categories of harm: damage to the appliance and risks to dental health. Chewing gummies can lead to the loosening or complete dislodging of the brackets from the tooth surface, compromising the integrity of the force system. The wires can also become bent or distorted by the repeated pulling action, leading to improper tooth movement and delaying the overall treatment timeline.
Beyond hardware damage, the high sugar content and adhesive nature of gummies create a heightened risk for dental decay. The sticky residue tends to trap sugar against the tooth surface, especially in the hard-to-clean spaces around the brackets. This prolonged exposure to fermentable carbohydrates feeds oral bacteria, leading to the production of acids that erode enamel. Such localized acid attacks can result in permanent white spots on the teeth once the braces are removed, even with diligent brushing.
Enjoying Sweets Safely
Satisfying a craving for sweets while wearing braces is possible by choosing alternatives that are soft and non-sticky. Opting for treats that melt easily in the mouth minimizes the physical strain on the orthodontic hardware. Soft, plain chocolates without crunchy additions are generally considered safe because they dissolve quickly.
Other suitable options include creamy desserts and soft-baked goods. These should not contain hard or sticky mix-ins.
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Puddings
- Soft-baked goods like crumbly cookies
After enjoying any sweet treat, perform thorough cleaning immediately. Use specialized brushes and floss threaders to remove any trapped residue from the brackets and wires.