Can I Eat Chips With Braces?

When undergoing treatment with braces, you're going to have to cut some foods out of your everyday diet. One crunchy food item that many people are not too sure about is chips. In this article, our Surrey orthodontists discuss the effects chips can have when you have braces, and why it is best to try to avoid eating them.

Can I Eat Potato Chips With Braces?

In the early stages of your treatment with braces, the wires are quite flexible. Biting down on chips or other hard food items can affect the flexible wires, causing them to bend. This can cause lasting deformations in your wire and may even break the wire entirely. In short, eating different types of chips or any other hard foods and crunchy snacks can break and deform your braces, prolonging your treatment and possibly tacking on some additional expenses.

The food particles of harder foods can also get stuck between the wire of your braces. Shards of chips can also become lodged between your braces and teeth. And when food is trapped, it can make it challenging to floss or brush them out. Trapped foods turn into plaque, which can kick off the entire tooth decay process.

For people wondering 'Can I eat Doritos with braces?', you are particularly out of luck. Doritos are an even harder type of chip that makes them especially hard on your braces. Although you should avoid all types of baked chips, the harder ones will have an additional negative impact on your treatment.

Snacks That Are Safe to Eat With Braces: Soft Foods

If crunchy chips and many other tasty treats are off the table, you may be looking for snack options that are safe to eat with braces. Some easy snacks that you will have no trouble with include:

If you are looking for other 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.

Other Foods You Should Avoid If You Have Braces

Throughout the treatment process, chips aren't the only food 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 improved oral health and a beautiful smile with our orthodontic treatment in Surrey!

Are you wondering if a certain food is okay for you to eat while undergoing your orthodontic treatment? Contact our Surrey orthodontists for answers to any inquiries you may have.