Orthodontic treatment often requires minor sacrifices, particularly concerning certain types of food. While the desire for a sweet treat is common, chewy and sticky candies pose a significant risk to the integrity of brackets and wires. The texture and composition of these candies, especially gummies, are the primary reasons they are restricted during treatment.
How Sticky Foods Damage Braces
Sticky and chewy foods, like traditional gummy candies, cause damage by compromising the mechanical components of the braces. The primary concern is the adhesive nature of these foods, which allows them to cling tenaciously to the brackets and archwires. When a person attempts to chew or pull the sticky substance away, the force exerted can be strong enough to loosen the cement bond holding the brackets to the tooth surface. This can lead to a dislodged bracket, which requires an unscheduled orthodontic appointment to repair.
Beyond the brackets, the sticky texture can also deform or bend the thin archwire that runs through the appliance. A bent wire can cease the intended tooth movement or cause unintended movement, which prolongs the overall treatment time. Furthermore, sugar-laden residue easily gets lodged between the wire and the bracket. This debris is difficult to remove and creates a breeding ground for bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Are Any Gummies Safe to Eat
Most commercial gummy products should be avoided entirely due to their high-risk, sticky, and chewy texture. Traditional gummies contain components like gelatin and starches, which create a resilient, elastic texture capable of damaging orthodontic hardware. Even seemingly softer varieties, such as gummy vitamins or fruit snacks, often retain enough stickiness to adhere to the braces and cause problems.
Any product described as a “gummy” must be soft enough to require virtually no chewing force and ideally dissolve quickly in the mouth. Extremely soft, melt-in-your-mouth gelatin products, such as Jell-O jigglers, may be acceptable because they lack the high elasticity and stickiness of a traditional gummy bear. If a specific soft gummy is permitted, the safest method is to allow it to dissolve on the tongue rather than attempting to chew it. Because texture varies significantly between brands, always consult with the treating orthodontist before consuming any type of gummy candy.
Safe Candy and Treat Alternatives
Patients can easily satisfy a sweet craving without compromising their orthodontic treatment by focusing on treats that are soft, smooth, and readily melt. Soft chocolates are an excellent choice, particularly plain milk chocolate bars or truffles that lack hard inclusions like nuts, toffee, or caramel. These types of chocolate melt quickly from body heat, minimizing the time they spend in contact with the braces and reducing the risk of damage or residue entrapment.
Frozen treats like ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet are also safe options, provided they do not contain hard or chewy mix-ins, such as chunks of candy or whole nuts. Similarly, soft baked goods, including muffins, soft cookies, or banana bread, are gentle on the hardware and satisfying. These alternatives allow for an indulgence without the high mechanical stress or extreme stickiness that characterizes forbidden items like caramel, taffy, hard candies, and popcorn.