The recent surge in popularity of freeze-dried candy raises questions for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces require patients to avoid foods that are excessively hard, sticky, or chewy, as these textures can damage delicate hardware. Determining whether freeze-dried confections fit into the safe category requires investigating the physical transformation these candies undergo.
The Science of Freeze Drying Candy
The process used to create this snack is called lyophilization, or freeze-drying. The candy is first frozen, turning the internal moisture into ice crystals. It is then placed in a vacuum chamber where the ice turns directly into vapor through sublimation. This removal of nearly 99% of the moisture causes the candy’s structure to expand dramatically, leaving behind tiny air pockets. The result is a highly porous, brittle, and intensely crunchy product. This new, brittle texture is what creates the potential for orthodontic complications.
Specific Orthodontic Risks
The brittle texture of freeze-dried candy poses risks that can compromise orthodontic appliances. When a person bites down on the expanded, porous candy, the extreme crunch means the treat is dense and hard upon impact. This concentrated force can easily shear the adhesive bond, leading to a broken bracket, or cause a thin archwire to bend or snap.
Certain freeze-dried candies, particularly those based on chewy originals, can become sticky again when mixed with saliva during chewing. This sticky material hardens around the bracket and wire, creating a dense mass that can exert a strong shearing force. This adherence can lead to the dislodgement of a bracket from the tooth surface, necessitating an unscheduled appointment to re-bond the hardware.
Furthermore, the porous structure of the candy creates an oral hygiene challenge around the braces. The intense sugar content remains, and the tiny crevices can trap sugary residue in hard-to-reach areas. This trapped sugar acts as a fuel source for bacteria, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and enamel demineralization, which can appear as permanent white spots on the teeth once the braces are removed.
Braces-Friendly Sweets and Snacks
For those seeking safe alternatives, many options exist that avoid the problematic hard, sticky, and brittle textures. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth confections are typically safe because they require minimal chewing pressure and do not place stress on the brackets. Following the orthodontist’s guidelines by avoiding any food that is hard, sticky, or requires excessive force is the most reliable way to maintain the integrity of the appliances throughout the treatment period.
Safe Snack Examples
- Plain chocolate bars without nuts, caramel, or toffee.
- Soft treats like peanut butter cups and marshmallows.
- Creamy desserts such as pudding and Jell-O.
- Ice cream, provided it does not contain hard inclusions like candy pieces or whole nuts.
- Soft baked goods, such as freshly baked cookies or those without crunchy elements.