What Foods Should You Avoid With Braces?

Whether you just started treatment or you’re helping your child adjust, knowing what foods to avoid with braces can prevent broken brackets, bent wires, and extra visits. At Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX, we provide braces and clear aligners for all ages, plus guidance on everyday care so treatment stays on track. 

 

Why are some foods off-limits with braces?

Hard or sticky foods can pop off brackets or bend wires. That slows progress and may add repair visits. Your treatment instructions from our team include a food to avoid section to help you protect your appliances. 

 

Which foods are most likely to break brackets or bend wires?

Avoid:

• Hard candies, lollipops, jawbreakers
  
  
• Ice chewing
  
  
• Nuts, hard pretzels, thick baguette crusts
  
  
• Popcorn kernels
  
  
• Sticky candies like caramels, taffy, gummy bears
  
  
• Chewy items like licorice, bagels, beef jerky
  
  

Be careful with:

• Whole apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob, ribs, bone-in chicken
  
  
• Pizza crusts and thick chips. Cut these into small pieces and chew with back teeth.

 

Can I eat crunchy fruits and veggies at all?

Yes. Slice apples into thin wedges, cut carrots into coins or steam them until soft. Remove corn from the cob. The goal is to reduce force on brackets and wires.

Are there braces-friendly snacks and meals?

Great choices include scrambled eggs, smoothies, mashed potatoes, rice bowls, pasta, soft tacos, soft cheeses, steamed veggies, ripe bananas, yogurt, oatmeal, and tender meats like shredded chicken.

What about sugary or starchy foods?

Sugar feeds plaque that can cause white spots around brackets. Keep sweets occasional and rinse or brush soon after. Our team regularly educates patients on preventing white spots during braces. 

Can I chew gum?

Regular gum can pull on brackets and get stuck. If your orthodontist gives specific permission for a sugar-free type later in treatment, follow those instructions. When in doubt, skip it.

Do drinks matter?

Sodas, sports drinks, and sweet teas coat teeth with sugar and acid. Choose water or milk most of the time and brush carefully around brackets.

What if I break a bracket or feel a poking wire?

Use orthodontic wax for comfort and call our office. We help patients of all ages with braces and Invisalign, including quick fixes when something feels off. 

 

Braces Diet Cheat Sheet

Category	Avoid	Braces-Friendly Swaps
Hard & Crunchy	Ice, hard pretzels, nuts, thick crusts	Soft breads, tortillas, muffins
Sticky & Chewy	Caramel, taffy, gummy candy, licorice	Pudding, yogurt, applesauce
Whole Crunchy Produce	Whole apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob	Apple slices, steamed carrots, corn off the cob
Tough Meats	Beef jerky, meat on the bone	Shredded chicken, ground turkey, soft meatballs
Snacks	Popcorn, kettle chips	Puffs, thin crisps, cheese cubes
Drinks	Soda, sports drinks, sweet tea	Water, milk, unsweetened options

 

Do the same rules apply to clear aligners?

You remove aligners to eat, so you can enjoy more foods, but you still need excellent brushing to avoid trapping sugar and acid under the trays. Stone Oak Orthodontics offers Invisalign for teens and adults along with braces, and we’ll review aligner care at your visit. 

 

What services does Stone Oak Orthodontics offer if something breaks?

We provide comprehensive orthodontic care, including braces, Invisalign, retainers, and advanced options like surgical orthodontics when needed. If an appliance breaks, call us and we’ll get you in promptly. 

 

Quick Overview

• Protect your braces by avoiding hard, sticky, and extra chewy foods
  
  
• Cut firm foods into small pieces and choose soft, nutritious options
  
  
• Keep teeth clean to avoid white spots and delays
  
  
• Our team supports you with braces, Invisalign, retainers, and detailed care guides throughout treatment
  

 

Ready to Eat Smart and Smile Bright?

Get personalized tips for your lifestyle and a custom plan that keeps treatment moving. Call Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio to schedule your complimentary consultation and start smile-safe habits today.