Eating with braces

Not much changes when you're wearing braces, other than the position of your teeth. There really isn't much to worry about in terms of what you can and cannot do. However, the team at the Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic does recommend making a few modifications to your diet to protect both your orthodontic appliance and your teeth throughout treatment.

Here's a simple guide of what you can eat, and what to avoid to ensure you don't lose a bracket, break a wire, or get your appliance tangled up in chewy goo. It might be a good idea to print this guide off and put it up on your fridge at home.

Foods to AVOID
with braces

Chewy foods, such as bagels and licorice
Crunchy foods, such as popcorn, chips and ice
Sticky foods, such as caramel lollies and chewing gum (sugar-free gum is okay, and is useful if you can't brush your teeth after a meal)
Hard foods, such as nuts and hard lollies
Foods you have to bite into, such as corn on the cob, apples and carrots. Try grating them instead

Foods you CAN eat
with braces

Dairy products, such as soft cheese, pudding and milk-based drinks
Breads, such as soft tortillas, pancakes, and muffins without nuts. Try to avoid muffins with seeds though as these can get stuck in your braces.
Grains, such as pasta and soft cooked rice
Meats/poultry, such as soft cooked chicken, meatballs and lunch meats
Seafood, such as tuna, salmon, and tuna rissoles
Vegetables, such as mashed potatoes, steamed spinach and beans
Fruits, such as applesauce, bananas, sliced fruit, and most berries (but watch out for seeds)
Treats, such as ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, jelly and cake

Recipe book

Download our free recipe book, packed full of brace friendly recipes. From tomato and cheese burritos to fresh fruit smoothies, you won't go hungry while wearing braces.