Foods to Avoid to Help Ensure Successful Orthodontic Treatment

As providers of orthodontic appliances, we want to see success with your treatment just as much as your orthodontist does. While your smile is being perfected, it is important to be aware that there are certain food habits that are known to cause problems or even breakage of orthodontic appliances, as well as increase your risk of dental plaque and disease.

As you may know crunchy foods can damage brackets or wires, which can actually shift your teeth in the wrong direction and cause treatment delays.  Sugary and sticky foods should also be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. 

Below is a great general list of foods to avoid while being treated.  However, please make sure to consult with your orthodontist for a specific list of foods you should avoid and a teeth cleaning regimen based on your personal treatment plan and orthodontic appliance.

• Sticky Foods to Avoid:
• Gum (sugar-free or regular)
• Caramels
• Taffy
• Licorice
• Caramel Apples
• Jelly Beans
• Tootsie Rolls
• Fruit Roll Ups
• Peanut Brittle
• Chewy candy bars like Snickers or candy bars with nuts

These sticky foods can result in the appliances becoming loose and bent wires. These foods can also become trapped in between your teeth causing nasty gum infections.

• Hard Foods to Avoid:
• Jaw breakers
• Hard candy
• Jolly ranchers
• Hard pretzels
• Nuts
• Bread sticks
• Hard edge crust on pizza
• Hard crust on French or garlic bread
• Ice cubes
• Hard crackers or cookies
• Corn nuts
• Granola cereal or bars
• Popcorn
• Corn on the cob

Most meats, fruits and vegetables are allowed. However be careful with apples, raw carrots and celery. It is best to cut hard fruits and veggies into small bite size pieces or thin strips before eating.