Wondering what you can eat with braces? At Knight Orthodontics, we get it—food choices can be tricky when your new smile is still in the works. We serve new smiles daily in the Louisville and Radcliff areas. Let the chef—sorry—Dr. Knight show you what’s on the menu.
Brace Yourself For Your New Dental Diet
Braces help you achieve a straight, confident smile. But they come with a few adjustments to your nutrition. Knowing what to eat (and what to skip) can make a big difference in keeping your treatment on track.
Explanation of Braces
Braces gradually move your teeth into the right position using brackets, wires, and bands. Each part of your braces is designed to apply gentle pressure to guide your teeth where they need to go. While braces are strong, they’re not invincible. As Dr. Knight will tell you, certain foods can put too much stress on them, leading to breakage and delays in your treatment.
Metal Braces
These metallic marvels are what come to mind for most people when they hear “braces.” They’re not here to mess around. Metal braces show up to work. They work hard, remain consistent, and deliver predictable results.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces from Knight Orthodontics have only one key difference from their metal cousins—stealth mode. That’s right. You get the same results as metal braces with the benefit of (near) invisibility.
Why Diet Matters
Louisville and Radcliff are full of great places to eat! But what you eat affects your braces more than you might think. Some foods can damage your brackets and wires, leading to extra trips to the orthodontist. Soft foods are safer and help you avoid unwanted surprises.
Benefits of a Braces-Friendly Diet
Why does choosing braces-friendly foods matter? You’ve got to protect your braces so they can protect your gums and teeth. Soft, non-sticky foods are easier to clean off your braces. Keeping your teeth and braces clean means less plaque and fewer cavities. By following a braces-friendly diet, you’ll do your part to help Dr. Knight’s treatment plan move along efficiently.
Safe and Delicious Foods for Braces
Eating with braces doesn’t have to be boring. Plenty of tasty options won’t harm your brackets or wires. Need some ideas? Our Knight Orthodontics team has a few.
Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits like bananas, berries, and ripe peaches are perfect for snacking. Vegetables like steamed carrots, spinach, and zucchini are easy to chew and won’t put stress on your braces. Just remember to cut harder fruits and veggies into small, manageable pieces.
Dairy Products
Dairy foods are always go-tos for braces-friendly meals. Yogurt, chees, and milk are gentle on your braces while providing essential nutrients like calcium.
Soft Grains and Bread
Bread, tortillas, and cooked grains like pasta and rice are ideal for anyone with braces. They’re easy to chew and won’t damage your brackets.
Protein-Rich Foods
Eggs, cooked chicken, fish, and tofu are all great sources of protein that are easy on your braces. These foods help keep you full and satisfied without risking any damage. Add some of these to your plate for a healthy, braces-friendly meal.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
While there are plenty of foods you can enjoy with braces, some should be avoided to keep your treatment on track. Certain foods can wear down your brackets and wires or get stuck, making it harder to maintain good oral hygiene. Dr. Knight advises that you steer clear these foods of during your orthodontic treatment.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum are big no-nos with braces. These treats can get lodged in your brackets and wires. The result? They’ll become difficult to clean and more likely to cause breakage. Even seemingly harmless sticky candies or chewy snacks can cause problems, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and raw carrots can put too much pressure on your braces, leading to broken brackets and wires. Biting into hard foods can also cause discomfort and damage to your teeth. Healthy snacks like apples or corn on the cob should be cut into smaller pieces or avoided. Nobody in Louisville or Radcliff wants their treatment to be longer., so say “no” to hard foods!
Tips for Enjoying Restricted Foods Safely
Sometimes, you just can’t resist certain foods. If that’s the case, there are ways to enjoy them without harming your braces. For example, if you love corn on the cob, try cutting the kernels off before eating. For hard fruits, slicing them into bite-sized pieces can make them easier to chew.
Cutting and Chewing
Slice your food into smaller pieces that are easier to handle. You’ll find them more manageable. Smaller pieces make it easier to chew without putting pressure on your braces. This reduces the risk of damaging your brackets and wires. It’s especially helpful for foods like sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. While our Knight Orthodontics team likes seeing you, we know you’d much prefer to stay home! Taking the time to cut your food properly can save you from unexpected trips to our Louisville and Radcliff offices.
Slow Eating
Eating slowly isn’t just polite—it’s also smart when you have braces. Chewing carefully and taking time with each bite can prevent accidents like biting down too hard on a bracket. Rushing through your meals increases the chance of damaging your braces or getting food stuck. Slow down, savor your food, and give your teeth and braces the gentle treatment they deserve.
Em-BRACE Your Nutrition At Knight Orthodontics
Got new braces? Dr. Knight and our Knight Orthodontics team can help you with your nutritional choices. To find out how, go here to schedule your free consultation in Louisville or Radcliff.