Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving your perfect smile! As orthodontic specialists serving South Central PA, we often hear one common question from our patients at Valley Advanced Orthodontics: “What can I eat with my new braces?”
Whether you’re visiting our Harrisburg office or one of our locations in Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, or Carlisle, we’re here to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey – including making smart food choices.
The First Week With Braces: What to Expect
Your mouth will need time to adjust to your new braces, and the first week is particularly important.
During this time, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing:
Breakfast options include yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs.
For lunch and dinner, try mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, soft-steamed vegetables, and tender meats cut into small pieces.
These foods provide necessary nutrition while being gentle on your newly adjusted teeth.
Braces-Friendly Foods You Can Enjoy
Good news! There are plenty of delicious foods you can safely eat with braces.
Here’s what we recommend to our Harrisburg-area patients:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons (cut into small pieces)
- Dairy products including cheese, pudding, and ice cream
- Seafood and tender meats
- Cooked vegetables
- Bread and grains (avoiding crusty varieties)
- Pancakes and waffles
Foods to Avoid With Braces
To protect your braces and ensure effective treatment, certain foods should be avoided:
- Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and ice
- Sticky foods such as caramel and gummy candies
- Chewy foods including bagels and tough meats
- Crunchy snacks like chips and pretzels (though some chips can be eaten carefully)
Remember, damaging your braces could extend your treatment time and require additional visits to our office.
Can You Eat Chips With Braces?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at our practice!
While you should generally avoid crunchy snacks, some softer chips can be eaten carefully. Break them into smaller pieces and let them soften slightly in your mouth before chewing.
However, hard chips like Doritos or kettle-cooked varieties should be avoided to prevent bracket damage.
Tips for Eating With Braces
To make your orthodontic journey more comfortable while protecting your investment:
- Cut foods into smaller, manageable pieces
- Chew slowly and mindfully
- Rinse with water after eating
- Brush and floss thoroughly after meals
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Having braces doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good food – it just requires some mindful choices!
If you have questions about eating with braces or are considering orthodontic treatment, our team at Valley Advanced Orthodontics is here to help. With convenient locations across South Central PA, including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle, we’re ready to guide you toward your perfect smile.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified orthodontist. We look forward to serving you and your family!