Braces can bring you one step closer to the smile you’ve always wanted, but while you’re on your orthodontic journey, what can and can’t you eat?
Certain foods can interfere with the treatment process, making it essential to know what to avoid.
This article will help you navigate your diet while wearing braces, as well as introduce an alternative option, Smilelign clear aligners, which offer more freedom when it comes to eating.
What can’t you eat with braces?
Wearing braces means you’ll need to make adjustments to your diet to protect your brackets and wires, which can be a bit tricky at first.
Here are the types of foods you’ll need to avoid with braces:
- Hard foods
- Sticky foods
- Crunchy foods
- Chewy foods
- Foods that require biting into directly
Why should you avoid hard and crunchy foods with braces?
Foods such as nuts, boiled sweets, and popcorn can break or damage the brackets or wires of braces, requiring repairs and causing delays in treatment.
Why should you avoid sticky foods with braces?
Foods that are sticky, like caramel and chewing gum, can get stuck in brackets and wires, making cleaning difficult and potentially leading to plaque buildup and cavities.
Why should you avoid foods that need biting into directly and chewy foods with braces?
Chewy foods like bagels, tough meats, and certain sweets require a lot of force to chew, putting unnecessary strain on your braces. Apples or corn on the cob can also cause discomfort or damage if not cut into smaller pieces.
What foods can you eat with braces?
With braces, it’s best to choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, and won’t damage brackets or wires.
Here are some foods that are generally safe and easy on your braces:
- Soft fruits
- Cooked vegetables
- Pasta and noodles
- Dairy products
- Tender meats
- Eggs
- Bread
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
It’s important to stick to these softer options and cut any larger pieces of food into smaller, bite-sized portions to reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
Eat without restrictions with Smilelign clear aligners
Want to straighten your teeth but don’t want the food restrictions that come with braces? Try Smilelign!
Smilelign offers a comfortable, discreet, and highly flexible alternative to traditional braces. These custom-made aligners gradually move your teeth into place using advanced technology.
Unlike traditional braces, Smilelign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and drink whatever you like without worrying about damaging brackets or wires.
Whether you’re craving crunchy snacks, sticky treats, or foods that require biting into directly, Smilelign gives you the freedom to enjoy it all.
This makes Smilelign a more flexible option for those who want to maintain their diet without making significant adjustments.
How can you get started with Smilelign?
The process of starting Smilelign treatment is straightforward.
Step 1: Initial consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation at a Smilelign partner dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will take impressions or a 3D scan of your teeth to ensure an accurate fit for your custom aligners.
Step 2: Personalised treatment plan
The Smilelign treatment planners use advanced software to design a tailored treatment plan, mapping out the precise movements needed to achieve your desired smile.
Step 3: Receive your custom aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalised, you’ll receive your set of custom-made aligners. Each set gradually shifts your teeth into their ideal positions, worn for around 2 weeks at a time.
Step 4: Start Your Treatment
With your aligners in hand, you can start your treatment right away. Simply wear your aligners as directed, and enjoy the flexibility of removing them when eating or drinking. Your Smilelign journey is now underway, with no food restrictions and minimal disruption to your lifestyle.
No need to worry about what you can and can’t eat!
Want to get started on your teeth straightening journey?
Don’t let the worry of food restrictions hold you back from achieving your dream smile.
Find your nearest Smilelign provider to get started with treatment. You could have your aligners ready in as little as 10 days!
