One of the most significant lifestyle changes people must make when they wear braces is to their diet. However, most people feel like the dietary adjustment is worth it after their Melbourne orthodontist has helped them achieve that perfect smile. You can still enjoy delicious food while you wear braces. You just have to get a little more creative about it.

The Main Rule: Soft Foods

The archwire on your braces is delicate, and the bonding solution that attaches the brackets to your teeth is not too strong. The main rule with braces is to eat soft foods. Any hard or chewy foods that require you to bite them–such as a piece of steak–should generally be avoided. You don’t want to damage the components of your braces.

The American Association of Orthodontics provides additional dietary tips while wearing braces.

Delicious Foods with Braces

Soups

Soups are an obvious choice when wearing braces because you’re not required to bite anything, and they’re soft. A can of soup can be a good standby to stock your shelves with if you don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are nice and soft and are a comfort food for many people. They’re also packed with protein. You can jazz them up by tossing in some mushrooms, olives, or other soft foods you like. Melted cheese and salsa make for lovely toppings as well.

Slow-Cooked Meats

If you don’t own a slow cooker, add one to your kitchen while being treated with braces. Beef, chicken, pork, and other ingredients can be slow-cooked while you’re at work or school for the day. This is one way to keep meat in your diet with braces since it comes out of the cooker so soft.

Unwrapped Burrito

Most of the ingredients in a burrito are soft, or they can be softened in a slow cooker. You can combine all the ingredients you would put in a burrito and not wrap them in a tortilla shell that requires you to bite.

Yogurt

Most fruits that require you to bite them should be avoided while wearing braces. A cold cup of yogurt is a way to enjoy some of your favorite fruits still and won’t put your braces at risk.

Smoothies

The same goes for smoothies. You can grind your favorite fruits in a blender with a milk or yogurt base for a tasty and filling treat.

Pasta

Pasta with your favorite sauce is also a safe and easy choice when wearing braces. Look for smaller-shaped kinds of pasta that you don’t have to bite (such as spaghetti).

Ice Cream

Ice cream is not only safe to eat with braces but also provides some benefits. The cold from the ice cream can help relieve inflammation of the gums after an adjustment. It can also reduce some of the pressure exerted by the wire.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes, blended with butter and a little milk, are another comfort food that’s safe to eat with braces. They’re filling, and you can top them with gravy for extra flavor.

Thinking About Braces? Call Us!

Contact Us at Reddick Orthodontics to schedule an appointment if you’d like to talk with a Melbourne orthodontist about braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatments.