Protecting orthodontic appliances, such as brackets, wires, and bands, is a priority during treatment. These tools apply precise forces to shift teeth, and damage can quickly derail progress. Dietary limitations are necessary because certain food textures can mechanically compromise the integrity of the braces. Avoiding damaging textures helps maintain the appliances and keeps the treatment timeline on track.
Textures and Types of Candies to Avoid
Three primary characteristics of candy pose a significant risk to braces: hardness, stickiness, and excessive chewiness. Hard candies, even when sucked on, can cause substantial damage if accidentally bitten. A strong biting force on items like jawbreakers or hard lollipops can fracture a bracket’s adhesive bond, detaching it from the tooth, or snap a fine archwire. This accidental crushing often causes unexpected repair visits.
Sticky and chewy candies present an equally destructive mechanical problem. Products such as caramel, taffy, Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, and gummy bears adhere strongly to the metal or ceramic surfaces of the braces. The pulling action required to remove the candy generates tension that can easily dislodge brackets or bend the archwires out of shape. This instantly changes the force applied to the teeth, potentially moving them incorrectly.
Crunchy items, though not strictly candy, also pose a risk and should be avoided, including peanut brittle and nuts coated in hard candy. The force needed to break down these substances places excessive stress on the brackets and bands, leading to breakage. Highly acidic candies, such as sour varieties, can also erode tooth enamel around the brackets. This increases the risk of cavities and complicates oral health management during treatment.
Safe Treats and Acceptable Alternatives
The fundamental rule for selecting safe treats is choosing items that are soft, melt quickly, or dissolve easily without requiring significant chewing force. Many soft chocolate options are acceptable, provided they do not contain hard inclusions like nuts, toffee, or chewy fillings such as caramel. Plain milk chocolate bars or soft peanut butter cups, which melt quickly, are typically safer choices for a quick indulgence.
Desserts that require minimal or no chewing are excellent alternatives to traditional candies. These include:
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Sherbet
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Yogurt
Soft baked goods, like moist cookies, muffins, or soft brownies, are usually safe, but any hard edges or crunchy toppings must be avoided. When consuming fruits, choose softer varieties like bananas or berries, or cut firmer options like apples into thin, small pieces to prevent biting directly into them with force.
Managing Damage to Orthodontic Appliances
If consuming a forbidden item results in damage to the braces, a systematic response is required to prevent further complications. The first step is to visually inspect the damage, noting if a bracket is loose, a wire is poking, or a band has shifted. If a sharp wire end or broken piece is causing irritation to the cheek or gums, gently apply a small piece of orthodontic wax to cover the offending area for immediate relief.
Even if the damage seems minor, contact the orthodontist’s office as soon as possible to report the issue. A loose or broken appliance, such as a detached bracket, will not be able to effectively move the tooth as intended, which can significantly slow down the treatment timeline. Patients should avoid attempting to fix or reattach a broken component themselves, as improper handling can cause further damage to the appliance or the underlying tooth.
The orthodontist will advise whether the repair can wait until the next scheduled appointment or if an emergency visit is needed. Until the repair appointment, the diet should be strictly limited to soft foods to avoid aggravating the damaged area or causing additional breakages.