Hard Foods to Avoid
- Popcorn kernels and husks
- Nuts and brittle candies
- Ice and hard candy
- Corn-on-the-cob
Brace Care Guidance
Caring for Braces During Treatment
Good daily habits help keep treatment on time. Diet choices and careful appliance care reduce breakage, extra visits, and delays.
Food and Habit Guidelines
During orthodontic care, avoid foods and habits that can bend wires, loosen brackets, or increase cavity risk. If sugary foods are consumed, clean teeth thoroughly afterward.
Raw hard foods can be prepared in brace-friendly ways (for example, slicing apples or removing corn from the cob).
Sticky Foods to Avoid
- Chewing gum
- Taffy and caramels
- Fruit roll-ups
- Gummy candies
Use Extra Care With
- Raw carrots (cut small)
- Apples (slice, do not bite whole)
- Hard bread crusts (tear into small pieces)
Other Habits to Avoid
Lip biting, tongue pressure against teeth, pen/pencil chewing, nail biting, and using teeth to tear objects can damage appliances.
If Something Breaks
Report loose or broken braces/appliances promptly. Waiting until the next routine visit can lead to unwanted tooth movement and longer treatment time.
Have questions about your treatment options? Call (949) 559-5211 or request an appointment with our Irvine dental office.