One of the biggest habits you’ll need to adopt after getting braces is a dietary one. Whether it’s to keep your braces in perfect working order (and working towards the perfect smile), or to ensure best dental hygiene practice, most people will need to adapt their diet.
Naturally, one of the first questions orthodontists get is ‘What can you eat with braces?’. So, we’re providing a run-down of some tasty treats and healthy snacks you can enjoy that won’t impact your treatment.
What is a soft diet for braces?
A soft diet is comprised of food that require minimal chewing if any. Sometimes, you’ll need to get your braces tightened. Afterwards, many people find it uncomfortable to eat hard foods, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat well, which is where this type of diet comes in handy.
Smoothies, soft fruits like bananas and strawberries, and ice cream are great options for sweets, while foods like pasta, scrambled eggs and soups are great soft savoury options. Most veggies are also safe, just make sure they’re well steamed or boiled. For meats, try mince in a spaghetti Bolognese or in a stew or casserole. Steamed fish is another great option for those with braces – just make sure it’s deboned before you cook it.
No matter your choice, chew with care, and use dental wax to cover any areas that might be irritating your lips or cheeks.
What food can you cook when you have braces?
There are heaps of different foods you can cook (and eat!) when you’ve got braces. We’ve broken down your options to make this stage of your life after braces easier to navigate.
Breakfast ideas for braces
If your previous breakfast involved thick-crusted breads or hard fruits, you’ll need to expand your palate. As above, soft fruits are great options and are tasty with Greek yoghurt. Overnight oats, soaked and supple, will give long-lasting energy throughout the day. You can also treat yourself with a softer version of French toast. Frying in egg and soaking in milk will take care of any hard crust and topping with cinnamon adds a punch of flavour without the need for extra sugar. If you like eggs for breakfast, there’s no need to modify your habit because eggs are always soft enough.
Lunchbox ideas for braces
There are plenty of traditional lunchbox foods you can continue to enjoy with braces, but there are some that will cause you trouble.
Classics like soft-crust sandwiches and bananas can stay, as can other snack fruits like mandarins. Fruit or savory muffins are another good source of energy.
If you want to get creative, here is a list of delicious lunchbox foods you can eat with braces:
- Pastas with smooth sauces
- Meatloaf or meatballs
- Tofu
- Egg or tuna salad
- Shredded chicken
- Salads that don’t have small crunchy pieces like nuts or croutons
- Noodles
- Fried rice
Some familiar lunchbox foods you’ll need to stay away from includes hard fruits many small nibbles (sadly, that means chips). Here’s a list of lunchbox foods to stay away from:
- Hard-crusted breads like bagels or baguettes
- Nuts
- Caramel
- Popcorn
- Hard treats like lollipops
- Whole carrots
- Corn on the cob.
- Chewy meats like beef jerky or meat on the bone
- Corn chips and pretzels
Good soft foods for dinner
While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, dinner may soon become your favourite. While breakfast and lunch can often feature uncooked foods, dinners are typically cooked and therefore are rife with safe foods for braces.
However, there are some food types you will need to stay away from. Just like a tough steak isn’t ideal, neither are ribs and chops – or any boned meat for that matter. Many fried foods like potato chips can cause complications, as will savoury goods like pizzas and pastry pies, especially if the crust is too hard.
Staining is also an issue to be aware of, with foods like beetroot and turmeric-flavoured meals, like curries, requiring extra diligence and cleaning to avoid staining braces so brush thoroughly after your meal. Some foods are unique to special occasions, and we have a handy guide for foods you can eat at Christmas.
Now for the good stuff. Swap pastry pies for shepherd’s pie, and chewy meats for things like soft brisket or soft braised meat. Bolognese is still on the menu (with diced or shredded carrots) and you can still enjoy Mexican foods with salsas, just stay away from hard corn chips. Many healthy Asian rice and noodle dishes are also safe for your braces.
It seems like a lot, but you’ll soon grow accustomed to which foods are good for your braces. If it doesn’t have small, hard objects or chewy elements like sinew or taffy, chances are you’re good to go. If you’re ever in doubt, we’ve got a guide on safe eating with braces – read that, and your road to a healthy smile won’t be a bumpy one.
Want to learn more about braces and food?
The best person to chat to about braces and food is your local specialist orthodontist. Use our Finder Tool to search for a specialist orthodontist near you – they’ll be happy to give personalised advice on any of the above topics.
Loading...
