Biting into hard or sticky foods or hard objects can cause a bracket or band to loosen. It may also bend the wires. This can cause your teeth to move in the wrong direction. This can delay your treatment or harm your teeth and gums. It also costs more money.

Do not bite into hard objects such as pens, pencils, eyeglasses, toothbrushes, silverware, and ice cubes. These items can damage your braces and could break your teeth.

How Does Eating Change With My Braces or Orthodontic Appliances?

When you have braces, there are many foods you can still eat. Follow these tips to protect your braces and appliances:

• Chew carefully.
• When eating chips, eat them one at a time, and only thinner chips.
• Cut or break hard rolls and bagels into small pieces.
• Remove meat from bones before eating.
• Cut corn off the cob before eating.
• Cut apples into small slices.
• Cut raw carrots into thin slices before eating.

If you eat foods high in sugar, brush your teeth right away. If brushing is not an option, rinse your mouth with plain water when you are done eating. Brush as soon as you can.

Can I Chew Gum With My Braces or Orthodontic Appliance?

You may chew gum, but it is best to avoid. If you need to chew gum, make sure it is a single sugarless stick of gum. Such as Extra®, Trident®, Carefree™, Freedent®, or Dentyne®. Do not chew large, thick pieces of gum or gum containing sugar. Gum, such as Bubble Yum®, can damage your braces. Avoid gum with hard shells or fillings. They can break brackets or bands and get stuck in your braces or appliances.

What Foods Do I Need Avoid With My Braces or Orthodontic Appliances?

Eating foods that are hard, sticky, or high in sugar can damage your braces and teeth. It may cause something to break or become loose. There are 3 types of food that you should not eat. These are:

1. Hard foods: Foods that are hard or crunchy can cause damage to your braces. These foods can bend wires, loosen cement under bands, or break brackets on your teeth. Some hard foods are firm pizza crust, ice cubes, nuts, popcorn, suckers, bread with hard crusts like a baguette, and hard candy.
2. Sticky foods: These foods can bend wires or loosen cement. Sticky foods are chewy and take a long time to chew. Some sticky foods are licorice, caramel, taffy, and gummy bears.
3. Foods high in sugar: These foods can cause cavities. Some foods high in sugar are candy, cake, and pie. Some drinks high in sugar are lemonade, soda, and Gatorade.