Orthodontic appliances, commonly known as braces, are devices fixed to the teeth to straighten them and correct bite alignment issues. Successful treatment requires a significant commitment from the patient, including diligent oral hygiene and modifications to daily habits. The primary goal of these guidelines is to protect the delicate hardware—the brackets, bands, and wires—from damage. Adopting a modified diet that avoids specific textures is an important step toward achieving the desired smile without setbacks.
Hard and Crunchy Foods That Break Brackets
Foods characterized by their firmness or crisp exterior pose the greatest risk of mechanical failure to the orthodontic appliance. Biting down on these items generates a sudden, high-pressure impact force that can exceed the bond strength of the dental adhesive. This force is sufficient to fracture brackets off the tooth surface or to bend and distort the thin archwire.
This category includes hard candies (even when sucked), ice cubes, nuts, and crunchy snacks like hard pretzels, corn chips, and hard taco shells. Raw carrots and unpopped popcorn kernels are also notorious for causing damage or becoming painfully lodged between the wires and gums. A broken bracket or bent wire halts tooth movement, often necessitating an emergency appointment and prolonging treatment time.
Sticky and Chewy Foods That Cause Adhesion Issues
The second major category of restricted items includes foods that are excessively sticky or require prolonged, forceful chewing. The primary mechanism of damage here is not impact but tensile or sheer force, which pulls components away from the teeth. Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, licorice, and gummy candies adhere strongly to the appliance and can pull off a bracket or dislodge the wires.
Chewing gum, even sugar-free varieties, is strictly avoided because it easily wraps around the wires and brackets, creating a tangled, adhesive mass. Beyond the immediate risk of damage, these sticky foods are often high in sugar and starch, making them problematic for oral hygiene. When food particles are trapped in the small crevices of the braces, it significantly increases the risk of plaque buildup, decalcification, or cavities around the brackets.
Objects and Habits to Avoid Beyond Food
Appliance safety is not exclusively linked to diet, as several common non-food habits also threaten the integrity of the braces hardware. Chewing on non-edible, hard items can exert force similar to that of crunchy foods, leading to unexpected breakages. This includes chewing on the ends of pens or pencils, or frequently biting on fingernails.
Other behaviors involving the teeth that must be discontinued include opening plastic packages, tearing tape, or unscrewing bottle caps with the front teeth. Such actions place immense, concentrated pressure on the brackets and can easily pop them off or warp the archwire. Even chewing on the end of a drinking straw can inadvertently damage the wires over time.
Modifying Your Diet for Safe Eating
While many foods pose a threat in their whole form, numerous items can be safely consumed by modifying their preparation or consumption method. The key strategy is to cut hard or firm foods into small, bite-sized portions that bypass the need for biting with the front teeth. Raw vegetables and hard fruits like apples should be chopped into small pieces and chewed gently with the back teeth. Corn must be cut from the cob, and while pizza crusts should be avoided, the soft inner dough is generally acceptable.
Following an adjustment appointment, teeth are often tender, making soft foods particularly desirable for a few days. Recommended options that are gentle on the appliance and the mouth include:
- Soft cheeses
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Well-cooked pasta
- Soups
These temporary dietary adjustments prevent damage and subsequent repair delays, helping ensure the orthodontic treatment remains on its planned timeline.