Getting braces or aligners is an exciting step toward having a gorgeous smile! But to ensure your treatment runs smoothly, you need to be careful about what you eat. Some foods can damage braces, slow down progress, or even cause discomfort. If you’re wearing clear aligners like Invisalign, certain foods and drinks can stain or damage them.
In this guide, we’ll cover what foods to avoid with braces or aligners. We’ll also cover why it matters and how making the right food choices can keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track.
Why Does Food Matter When You Have Braces or Aligners?
Braces are made of brackets, wires, and bands that straighten your teeth. Eating the wrong foods can have several negative effects, such as:
- Breaking brackets or bending wires: This can lead to extra visits to the orthodontist and extend your treatment time.
- Trapping food in your braces: Food particles stuck in brackets can cause plaque buildup, cavities, and gum problems.
- Causing discomfort while chewing: Certain foods can increase tooth sensitivity, especially after adjustment.
For clear aligners, the risks are different but still relevant:
- Staining or discoloration: Some foods and drinks can leave stains, making aligners look cloudy or yellow.
- Difficulty wearing aligners properly: Sticky and hard foods may make aligners difficult to wear.
- Increased risk of tooth decay: Drinking sugary or acidic beverages while wearing aligners can trap harmful substances on your teeth.
To keep your treatment smooth and hassle-free, avoid certain foods altogether.
Foods to avoid with braces
Hard foods (They Break Your Braces!)
Hard foods put too much pressure on braces and can break the brackets or wires. Even small damage can delay your treatment.
| Hard Foods to Avoid | Alternatives |
| Hard candies | Soft chocolates |
| Nuts (almonds, cashews) | Nut butter |
| Popcorn kernels | Puffed rice snacks |
| Ice cubes | Crushed ice or water |
| Raw vegetables (carrots, celery) | Steamed or cooked vegetables |
Sticky and Chewy Foods (They Get Stuck!)
Sticky foods can get trapped in your braces, making them hard to clean. They can also pull at your brackets and wires.
Avoid caramel, toffee, gum, gummy candies, taffy, licorice, and sticky dried fruits like raisins and dates.
Crunchy Foods (They Damage Braces)
Crunchy foods can break your braces, leading to broken brackets or bent wires.
Examples: chips, nachos, crunchy granola bars, crunchy taco shells, pretzels, and crusty bread. Instead, opt for soft tortillas, yogurt-based granola, and soft breads.
Sugary Foods and Drinks (They Cause Cavities!)
Braces make it difficult to clean your teeth properly. Too much sugar can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Avoid or limit sodas, energy drinks, sugary juices, chocolates with caramel or nuts, pastries, and high-sugar snacks.
Foods That Require Biting Your Front Teeth
Biting into hard foods with your front teeth can break your brackets or wires.
Avoid whole apples, corn on the cob, whole carrots, and large burgers. Instead, cut these foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
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Foods to Avoid with Clear Aligners (Like Invisalign)
Aligners allow more flexibility, but you should still be cautious about certain foods and drinks.
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Hot Beverages (They Warp Aligners!)
Aligners are made of plastic, and hot drinks can change their shape.
Avoid Hot tea, coffee, and hot soups while wearing aligners.
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Sugary or Acidic Drinks (They Cause Tooth Decay)
If you wear aligners while drinking sugary or acidic drinks, the liquid can get trapped between your teeth and aligners, increasing cavity risk.
Avoid Sodas, fruit juices, sports drinks, and sugary alcoholic beverages.
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Staining Foods and Drinks (They Discolor Aligners!)
Aligners are clear, and some foods stain them, making them dirty.
Avoid Coffee, red wine, berries (like blueberries and blackberries), curry, tomato-based sauces, and soy sauce.
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Sticky or Chewy Foods (They Make Cleaning Harder)
Even though you remove aligners while eating, sticky foods can make your teeth dirty before you put them back in.
Avoid: Chewing gum, sticky candy, taffy, and caramel.
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Eating with Aligners On
Aligners are not designed for eating. Eating with them can damage or stain them.
Tip: Always remove your aligners before eating anything but water.
Tips for Safe Eating with Braces and Aligners
For Braces:
- Cut food into small pieces to avoid biting your front teeth.
- Cook vegetables until soft to reduce crunch.
- Choose soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and pasta.
- To wash out food particles, drink lots of water.
- To avoid plaque accumulation, brush and floss frequently.
For Aligners:
- Before consuming any food or liquids, take out your aligners.
- Brush or rinse your mouth before putting the aligners back in.
- Stick to clear or light-colored drinks to avoid staining aligners.
- In order to prevent loss or damage to aligners, keep them in their case while eating.
Eating the right foods is important for a smooth braces or aligner treatment. Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods to prevent damage and keep your teeth healthy. If you use clear aligners, always remove them before eating and choose non-staining drinks to keep them clean.
Making smart food choices and maintaining good oral hygiene will help your treatment stay on track. A little effort now means a perfect smile in the future—so eat wisely and take care of your braces or aligners!