Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy!) With Braces

Braces are a big step towards a confident, straighter smile, but they do come with a few dietary adjustments. Whether you have metal braces, invisible braces (like ceramic braces), or Invisalign, knowing what foods to avoid and what you can safely enjoy is key to protecting your orthodontic treatment and ensuring the best results. Let’s dive into the best and worst foods for braces, including some beloved Australian treats.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Braces, especially metal braces and invisible braces, have delicate wires and brackets that can be damaged by certain foods. Here’s what to skip:

• Hard Foods – Nuts, hard lollies, ice cubes, and raw carrots can break or bend wires.
• Sticky Treats – Chewy lollies, toffees, and gum can get stuck in brackets and wires.
• Crunchy Snacks – Popcorn, corn chips, and pretzels can cause damage and be difficult to clean.
• Sugary Foods & Drinks – Soft drinks, sports drinks, and excessive sweets increase the risk of cavities around brackets.
• Biting into Hard Foods – Whole apples, corn on the cob, and crusty bread can put too much pressure on brackets and should be cut into smaller pieces before eating.

For Invisalign wearers, food restrictions aren’t as strict since the aligners can be removed before meals. However, it’s essential to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing them to prevent staining and damage.

Braces-Friendly Foods

Now for the good news! There are plenty of delicious foods you can still enjoy while wearing braces:

• Soft Fruits & Veggies – Bananas, berries, avocados, cooked carrots, and mashed potatoes.
• Dairy Delights – Cheese, yoghurt, and smoothies are gentle on braces and rich in calcium.
• Protein Power – Tender meats, fish, eggs, and tofu are easy to chew.
• Pasta & Rice – Soft, easy-to-eat meals like spaghetti, risotto, and noodles.
• Baked Goods – Soft bread, pancakes, and muffins (just be mindful of sugar content).

Popular Australian Foods: Braces-Friendly or Not?

Australia is home to some iconic snacks and meals, but are they braces-friendly? Let’s find out:

• Meat Pies & Sausage Rolls – Safe as long as the pastry is soft and not too flaky.
• Tim Tams & Arnott’s Biscuits – Can be tricky; avoid if they are too crunchy or soften them with milk.
• Vegemite on Toast – Safe, but use softer bread to avoid damaging brackets.
• Fairy Bread – The soft bread is fine, but the sprinkles can be too hard.
• Lamingtons – Generally okay, but be cautious of shredded coconut getting stuck.
• Anzac Biscuits – Often too crunchy unless softened with a drink.

Special Considerations for Different Orthodontic Treatments

• Metal Braces – Most restrictive when it comes to food, as brackets and wires are prone to damage.
• Invisible Braces (Ceramic Braces) – Similar restrictions to metal braces, but staining from foods like curry and coffee can be an added concern.
• Invisalign – The most flexible option since aligners are removable, but it’s crucial to brush and clean teeth before reinserting them after meals.

How to Clean Your Appliance After Eating

No matter which orthodontic treatment you have, keeping your teeth and braces clean after meals is essential. Here’s how to do it for each appliance:

Metal Braces & Invisible Braces:

• Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove food particles.
• Use an orthodontic toothbrush to gently clean around brackets and wires.
• Floss daily with special orthodontic floss or a water flosser to remove debris between teeth.
• Avoid whitening toothpaste, as it can create uneven colouring once braces are removed.

Invisalign:

• Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
• Rinse aligners with lukewarm water after meals.
• Brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in to prevent trapped bacteria.
• Clean aligners daily with a gentle, clear antibacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Enjoy Eating With Braces

While having braces means making some dietary changes, there are still plenty of tasty and braces-friendly foods to enjoy. Whether you’re rocking traditional metal braces, invisible braces, or Invisalign, being mindful of your food choices will help keep your treatment on track and your smile looking its best. Stick to softer, non-sticky foods and avoid anything that could damage your braces, and you’ll be on your way to a hassle-free orthodontic journey!