Foods to avoid (and enjoy!) with braces

Whether you’ve just had your braces fitted or you’re helping your child through their orthodontic journey, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What can I eat with braces?”

At Allstar Orthodontics, we believe your treatment should fit comfortably into your lifestyle - without the guesswork. So we’ve pulled together this helpful guide to show you which foods to avoid, what’s perfectly safe to enjoy, and how to care for your smile while wearing braces.

From crunchy apples to chewy lollies, here’s what you need to know.

Why diet matters during braces treatment

When you wear braces - whether traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or LightForce™ 3D braces - it’s important to protect your brackets, wires, and overall oral health.

Certain foods can cause brackets to loosen, wires to bend or break, or even damage the adhesive bond that holds everything in place. Others can increase your risk of decay and staining if food gets trapped around the hardware. By knowing what to eat (and what to skip), you’ll avoid unnecessary appointments and help your treatment stay on track.

Foods to avoid with braces

Some foods are best avoided entirely while you’re in active treatment. Here’s a list of the top culprits that can damage or dislodge your braces:

Hard & crunchy foods:

• Raw apples and carrots (cut them into small, thin pieces if needed)
• Crusty bread rolls or hard baguettes
• Nuts and seeds
• Corn on the cob (remove kernels first)
• Ice (never chew it)

Sticky & chewy foods:

• Toffees, caramels, and chewy lollies
• Bubble gum or sticky chewing gum
• Fruit roll-ups or dried fruits like dates and apricots

Foods you bite into with force:

• Whole apples or pears
• Corn cobs
• Meat on the bone (think ribs or drumsticks - go boneless instead)

Sneaky bracket-breakers:

• Popcorn (husks can get lodged and unpopped kernels can break brackets)
• Crunchy chips like kettle-cooked or corn chips

What about ceramic or LightForce™ braces?

With clear ceramic braces and LightForce™ 3D-printed braces, the same general food rules apply - but there’s an extra note on staining. These braces are more discreet, and their aesthetic appeal can be affected by certain foods and drinks.

Watch out for:

• Curry and turmeric-heavy sauces
• Soy sauce
• Red wine
• Tomato-based sauces
• Coffee and tea

It’s fine to enjoy these occasionally, but rinse or brush soon after to keep your braces looking fresh.

Braces-friendly foods to enjoy

The good news? There’s still plenty you can eat with braces - especially when you’re strategic with how you prepare your meals.

Soft & gentle options:

• Pasta, rice, and noodles
• Soft-cooked veggies
• Mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
• Soft cheeses, scrambled eggs, yoghurt

Protein options:

• Soft meats like shredded chicken, mince, or slow-cooked lamb
• Boneless fish or salmon
• Tofu or soft beans for plant-based diets

Snacks & treats:

• Smoothies and milkshakes
• Ice cream (without chunks or toffee)
• Bananas, berries, kiwi (cut up as needed)
• Soft baked treats like muffins, pancakes, or banana bread

Eating & drinking tips with braces

Braces don’t mean missing out - they just mean making a few smart changes. Here are our top tips to keep your braces and smile in great shape:

Cut food into smaller pieces

Biting into large or tough foods is one of the main causes of bracket damage. Cut sandwiches, apples, and meat into manageable, bite-sized chunks.

Use a straw for stain-prone drinks

Drinking coffee, tea, or dark-coloured drinks through a straw helps minimise contact with your braces and reduces staining.

Brush after every meal

Food can easily become trapped in braces, so regular brushing is essential. Use an orthodontic toothbrush or interdental brush to clean around brackets and wires thoroughly.

Avoid ice chewing

It may seem harmless, but chewing on ice can snap wires or pop off brackets—so ditch the habit during treatment.

Stay hydrated

Water helps rinse away food particles and keep your mouth clean - especially if you’re snacking throughout the day.

What about eating out or school lunches?

It’s absolutely possible to enjoy meals on the go while wearing braces. If you're packing lunch for school or work, think:

• Soft wraps or sandwiches (avoid crusty rolls)
• Cut-up fruit
• Yoghurt tubs
• Cheese sticks
• Soft baked snacks

When eating out, look for pasta, stir-fries, rice dishes, or grilled fish. Most menus will offer at least one braces-friendly option.

Final word from Dr Mike and the Allstar team

At Allstar Orthodontics, we’ve helped thousands of Brisbane families navigate the ins and outs of braces - including what’s safe to eat and how to stay comfortable during treatment.

Whether you’re wearing metal braces, ceramic braces, or LightForce™, the key is balance: protect your appliances, enjoy a wide variety of soft foods, and take good care of your teeth along the way.

If you ever have questions about what’s safe or feel unsure after an adjustment, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re always here to help - after all, we’re not just here to straighten your teeth, but to support your smile every step of the way.

Ready to start your smile journey?

Book your free consultation today at our Albany Creek or Fortitude Valley clinic.

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