We know having braces can be a bit of a pain sometimes, but trust us, it’s totally worth it for that dazzling smile you’ll have at the end. Speaking of which, if you’re wondering about braces treatment cost, it’s always best to consult your orthodontist. Every smile is unique, and the cost can vary depending on your specific needs.
At Smile Ville in South Morang, dentists want to ensure that your braces treatment goes as smoothly as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 foods you should avoid while wearing braces. Don’t worry—it’s not all bad news—we’ll give you some tasty alternatives, too!
#1 Sticky Sweets: The Braces’ Worst Nightmare
Let’s face it: we all love chewy candy now and then. But when you’ve got braces, these sticky sweets can be a real troublemaker. Things like caramel, toffee, and gummy bears might seem harmless, but they can easily get stuck in your braces and be a real pain to clean. Not only that, but they could even damage your wires or brackets. Yikes!
Instead, try this: If you’re craving something sweet, go for softer options like ice cream (without nuts), yogurt, or smoothies. These will satisfy your sweet tooth without causing any drama for your braces.
#2 Hard Candies: A Crunchy Catastrophe
Hard candies might seem innocent enough – after all, you’re supposed to suck on them, not chew them, right? Well, here’s the thing: it’s really tempting to bite down on these little sugar bombs, and that’s where the trouble starts. Crunching on hard candies can bend or break your braces, and nobody wants an emergency trip to the orthodontist!
Instead, try this: If you need a flavour fix, try sugar-free mints or gum (just make sure it’s braces-friendly). They’ll freshen your breath and keep your mouth busy without risking damage to your braces.
#3 Popcorn: The Sneaky Snack
Movie night just isn’t the same without popcorn; we get it. But here’s the deal—those pesky kernels can get lodged under your braces or between your teeth, causing irritation and potentially even damaging them. Plus, biting down on an unpopped kernel? Ouch! That’s a surefire way to bend a wire or loosen a bracket.
Instead, try this: Grab some braces-friendly snacks for your next movie marathon. Think soft pretzels, cheese puffs, or even seedless grapes. They’re just as satisfying and way less risky for your braces.
#4 Nuts: Small But Mighty Troublemakers
Nuts are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a popular choice for healthy snacks, which is great! But when you’ve got braces, these little powerhouses can cause big problems. They’re hard enough to damage your braces if you bite down on them wrong, and their small size means they can easily get stuck in all those nooks and crannies.
Instead, try this: Get your protein fix from softer sources like scrambled eggs, fish, or well-cooked beans. You can also try nut butter – just be careful to clean your teeth thoroughly afterwards!
#5 Corn on the Cob: A Summer Favorite to Avoid
Nothing says summer quite like fresh corn on the cob, right? Well, when you’re sporting braces, this classic BBQ side dish is off the menu. Biting into corn on the cob puts a lot of pressure on your front teeth and braces, which could lead to damaged brackets or wires.
Instead, try this: Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up corn altogether! Just cut it off the cob before eating. It might not be as fun, but your braces (and your orthodontist) will thank you.
#6 Crunchy Fruits and Veggies: Proceed with Caution
We know we know – your parents and teachers have always told you to eat your fruits and veggies. And they’re right! But when you have braces, you need to be a bit more careful with the crunchy ones. Biting into a whole apple or a raw carrot can put too much pressure on your braces and potentially cause damage.
Instead, try this: Don’t skip out on these healthy foods – just change how you eat them. Cut apples into thin slices, shred carrots for salads, or steam your veggies to make them softer. You’ll still get all the nutritional benefits without risking your braces.
#7 Chewy Meats: Tough on Your Teeth and Braces
Sink your teeth into a juicy steak or some sticky ribs? Not so fast! Chewy meats can be really tough on your braces. They require a lot of force to chew, which can strain your braces. Plus, stringy bits of meat can easily get caught between your teeth and braces, making cleaning a real chore.
Instead, try this: Choose softer meats like chicken, fish, or ground beef. If you’re really craving a steak, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and chew carefully with your back teeth.
Final Thoughts
Now, we know all these food restrictions might seem like a bummer. But remember, it’s only temporary! Before you know it, your braces treatment will be over, and you’ll have a beautiful, straight smile to show for it.
At Smile Ville, dentists are committed to making your South Morang braces journey as smooth as possible. It’s not always easy, but trust me – it’s worth it. Just think of all the amazing foods you’ll be able to enjoy with your new, perfectly aligned teeth once your braces come off!
Stay smiling, braces buddies!
