Unfortunately, you're likely going to have to make some dietary changes when you start your orthodontic treatment with braces. A common sticky food people are unsure about is hamburgers. Here, our Surrey orthodontists discuss eating burgers while you have braces and share some tips on the best way to do so.
Can I Eat Hamburgers With Braces?
If you're wondering if hamburgers are a safe food choice when you have braces, the good news is that it is. Burgers are completely fine to eat while you are undergoing your treatment, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
The first thing to think about is the fact that once you get your braces on, your teeth and gums will likely be a bit sore for a few days. Since your mouth has just gone through a lot of treatment, it would be best to wait a couple of days to prevent any further aggravation to your teeth and gums.
Once you feel like your mouth has adjusted to the braces, you are free to eat all the burgers you can stomach. However, it would be in your best interest to cut them into bite-sized portions and ensure that both the meat and buns are soft.
You should also keep in mind any toppings that are on your burger. Crunchy toppings like bacon or crispy onions can be on your braces depending on how they are prepared
It is important to remember that when you eat hard foods (even a toasted hamburger bun) they can cause your brackets to come loose and your wires to bend. When this happens, you may be prolonging your treatment and adding additional expenses to your treatment.
List of Soft Foods & Other Snacks That Are Safe to Eat With Braces
If you find that a lot of your favourite treats are no longer an option, you may be looking for snack options that are safe to eat with braces. Other than burgers, some foods that are perfectly fine to eat with braces include:
- Soft-baked cookies
- Muffins
- Soft Crackers
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Soft pretzels
- Soft chocolate
- Cheese slices
- Yogurt
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Pears
- Thin crust pizza
If you are looking for safe foods to eat with your braces, or if you are unsure whether a food is safe to eat with your braces, your orthodontist will have no problem clearing up any inquiries you may have. If you aren't sure if something is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and just avoid it.
List of Foods & Crunchy Foods You Should Avoid If You Have Braces
Throughout the treatment process, there is a wide variety of snacks and foods that can be problematic. You should do your best to avoid any foods that are too hard or sticky. Some common foods to stay away from include:
If for whatever reason you find yourself in a position in which you have to eat something you probably shouldn't, cutting the food into small pieces will give you the best chance at avoiding complications.
Contact us for healthy smiles and straight teeth with our braces treatment in Surrey!