Orthodontic treatment requires temporary adjustments to eating habits to protect the hardware in the mouth. Braces are highly effective at straightening teeth, but their components—brackets, wires, and bands—are susceptible to damage from certain foods. Understanding which items pose a threat is important for a successful treatment period.
The Specific Risk of Hard Shells
Hard shell tacos must be avoided while wearing braces. The primary mechanism of damage is the rigidity of the fried corn shell combined with the necessary biting force. When the jaw closes, the shell does not yield easily, concentrating pressure directly onto the bracket and wire system. This force creates high-pressure points that can easily compromise the adhesive bond holding the bracket to the tooth surface.
A hard shell can shatter suddenly, causing a bracket to pop off or bending the archwire that guides tooth movement. A bent wire delays treatment progress by applying incorrect forces to the teeth. Furthermore, the sharp, fractured edges of the shell can cut into the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, cheeks, or tongue. Repairing damaged hardware requires an unscheduled visit to the orthodontist and may incur additional repair fees.
Safer Taco Modifications
Enjoying the flavors of a taco does not require accepting the risks posed by the hard shell. The most straightforward modification is substituting the crunchy shell with soft flour or corn tortillas. These soft shells require significantly less biting force to chew and are far less likely to cause sudden impact damage to the braces. The flexible nature of the soft tortilla allows the components of the braces to remain undisturbed during chewing.
Deconstructing the Meal
Another effective strategy involves deconstructing the meal entirely. The filling—including ground meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa—can be removed from the shell and eaten with a fork or spoon. This method completely bypasses the need to bite down on any structural component, eliminating the risk of damage. If using a soft tortilla, cutting it into small, manageable pieces before eating also minimizes the necessary chewing effort.
General Guidelines for Eating with Braces
The principle behind avoiding hard shell tacos extends to a broader category of problematic foods that interfere with orthodontic treatment. Patients should be cautious of any food that requires significant force to bite into or is extremely hard. This includes items like nuts, ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and hard candies, which all present a similar fracture risk to the braces and wires.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
A significant risk factor comes from highly sticky and chewy foods, such as caramel, taffy, or certain chewy breads. These items adhere strongly to the hardware and can pull brackets off the teeth or bend the wires when the mouth is opened. Unanticipated breakages cause discomfort and require immediate attention, delaying the treatment plan. Avoiding both hard and sticky foods helps ensure that the brackets remain securely attached and the wires stay straight.