By Eng Orthodontics — Dr. Albert Eng, Dr. Ashlynn Schiro, Dr. Jared Error, and Dr. Shane Hoelz
A Brighter Smile Starts with Smart Eating
Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a healthy, confident smile. But as your teeth begin to move into alignment, what and how you eat becomes just as important as your orthodontic care itself. At Eng Orthodontics, our team helps patients across Brighton, Reunion, Fort Morgan, and Arvada navigate life with braces comfortably—starting at the dinner table.
Here’s your complete guide to eating with braces: what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to make the most of your treatment.
What You Can Eat with Braces
The first few days after getting braces may come with some tenderness, so start with soft foods that don’t require much chewing. These include:
- Soups and broths (warm, not hot)
- Mashed potatoes and steamed veggies
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta, mac & cheese, or soft noodles
- Smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal
- Soft fruits like bananas, peaches, or applesauce
As your mouth adjusts, you can enjoy most foods that are easy to chew and cut into small pieces. Using utensils like a knife and fork to break food into bite-sized portions can help protect your braces from damage.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Some foods can loosen wires, pop brackets, or get stuck between your teeth and braces. It’s best to avoid:
- Sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, gummy candy, chewing gum
- Hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, hard candies, ice, pretzels
- Chewy foods: Bagels, licorice, tough meats, crusty breads
- Biting into hard fruits/veggies: Instead, cut apples, carrots, and corn off the cob into small, manageable pieces
Even one broken bracket can delay your progress, so think before you bite—your smile will thank you!
Helpful Eating Tips for Braces Wearers
- Cut food into smaller pieces. This reduces stress on your braces and helps prevent breakage.
- Chew with your back teeth. They’re stronger and better equipped for chewing.
- Avoid biting with your front teeth. Especially with foods like sandwiches, pizza slices, or burritos—cut them up first.
- Rinse and brush after eating. Food can easily get trapped around braces, so good oral hygiene is key to keeping your teeth healthy.
- Stay hydrated. Water helps rinse away debris and neutralize acids that can cause cavities.
How to Handle Discomfort While Eating
Mild soreness after getting braces—or after an adjustment—is completely normal. Try:
- Eating soft foods and avoiding tough textures
- Using orthodontic wax on irritating brackets
- Rinsing with warm salt water to soothe your gums
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief (as directed) if needed
If discomfort persists or a wire feels sharp or loose, contact your local Eng Orthodontics office right away.
Why Following Food Guidelines Matters
Eating the right foods doesn’t just protect your braces—it helps ensure steady progress and a beautiful end result. Damaged brackets or wires can interrupt treatment and require additional visits. By following your eating guidelines, you’ll keep your treatment on track and minimize discomfort along the way.
Q&A: Eating with Braces
Q: Can I eat pizza with braces?
A: Yes, but skip the crust! Cut your pizza into small bites and chew carefully to avoid damaging your braces.
Q: What’s the best breakfast for someone with new braces?
A: Try scrambled eggs, pancakes, smoothies, or soft fruit. Avoid crunchy cereals or hard granola.
Q: Can I have chips or popcorn?
A: Unfortunately, no. Chips and popcorn can break wires or get stuck under your braces, leading to irritation or cavities.
Q: When can I eat normally again?
A: You can enjoy most foods throughout treatment—just with a few modifications. Once your braces are removed, you’ll be free to enjoy all your favorites again!
Q: Can I still eat meat?
A: Absolutely! Choose softer cuts and slice them into smaller pieces. Avoid tough or chewy meats that can tug on your brackets.
Enjoy Your Braces Journey with Confidence
At Eng Orthodontics, we want your treatment to be comfortable, rewarding, and effective from day one. Our team is always here to answer questions, make adjustments, and support you through every phase of your smile transformation.
Contact Eng Orthodontics
Brighton Office
📞 (303) 498-0351
Reunion Office
📞 (303) 498-0351
Fort Morgan Office
📞 (970) 542-2500
Arvada Office
📞 (720) 800-9331