Life with Braces
Life With Braces
Eating with Braces
Although most foods are still safe to eat, there are a few tasty snacks and treats that you may want to avoid. We recommended to avoid the following foods so they don’t cause a wire poke or a broken bracket.
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice, caramel, granola bars, jerky
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, hard chips, ice
- Sticky foods — fruity candy chews, chewing gum, taffy
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies, lollipops, pretzels
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Examples of safe foods you can enjoy with braces include, but are not limited to:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks, yogurt
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats, boiled eggs
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans, cucumber, peppers
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, peaches, strawberries, grapes
- Treats — ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, cake
This list includes ideas and examples of safe, soft foods you can eat with braces. These foods aren’t the only foods you can eat with braces.
Soreness caused from Braces & Appliances
It is normal for your teeth and mouth to be sore for the first few days after getting braces, or after your regularly scheduled adjustments to the appliances. Think of getting braces being the same as getting a new pair of leather shoes. It takes a few days to break them in, and blisters and sore areas are to be expected! No one is accustomed to having metal in their mouth! But, rest assured, you will get used to it, and the discomfort will go away. We recommend you use over the counter Tylenol and Advil to manage your discomfort. Please visit our First Aid page for more information on how to alleviate soreness.
Playing Sports with Braces
You are totally able to play sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment, and we encourage it! We do not think that orthodontic treatment should get in the way of your normal lifestyle. We recommend that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces when you are playing contact sports. We recommend a loose-fitting mouthguard, similar to the fit of a ‘boil-and-bite’ before you boil and bite it. Ask us for one! We typically stock them in the clinic, and would be happy to provide you with one at no additional cost.
Our patients'
smiles say it best
Our friendly orthodontic team in St. Petersburg & Seminole creates a welcoming environment that makes every visit enjoyable. From your first consultation to your final results with braces or Invisalign®, we support you every step of your orthodontic journey.
Over 500 5-star reviews!
Consult and braces the same day! Super efficient, friendly staff, and a smooth process—I couldn’t recommend them enough.
— Aubrey P.
Getting braces as an adult was scary, but this positive and supportive team made it seamless. I actually love coming in—highly recommend!
— Rachel M.
Brought both my kids here and every visit has been kind, professional, and efficient. Clean office and clear explanations—highly recommend!
— Brittny P.
After bad past experiences, this team completely changed my perspective. Invisalign was a joy here—10/10 experience from start to finish!
— Sara N.
Every visit was exceptional and caring. When my daughter got her braces, her fears disappeared—she walked out smiling!
— Aiden N.
From consultations to braces day, everything was explained clearly and done professionally. An amazing team and a great experience for my son!
— Lauren F.
We compared several offices, but their service, pricing, and dedication stood out. They truly go above and beyond—highly recommended!
— Kevin S.
Dr. Reynolds and his team are outstanding—efficient, communicative, and truly caring. Thanks for helping me regain confidence in my smile!
— Albert B.
Amazing staff and an incredible doctor. Years of great care and results—so happy with my smile, and I’ll truly miss this team!
— Danni L.
Friendly staff, clear explanations, and excellent results. This was my second time with braces and by far the best experience.
— Devin J.
