It’s no secret that the first week with braces comes with some lifestyle adjustments. After all, you’re on a journey to create a stunning new smile designed to last a lifetime – and that requires a little discipline. Just remember, the reward far outweighs the hard work. 

If it’s your first day with braces, or your first visit to our orthodontic office in Palm Coast or Ormond Beach, is scheduled, this one’s for you. Here’s your braces-friendly eating guide. 

We’ll cover:

• A list of foods you can eat with braces
• What not to eat with braces
• FAQs about eating with braces

Why do braces cause soreness at first?

It’s common to experience some minor soreness and sensitivity when first getting braces. The initial tenderness is part of the process of getting a perfect smile. 

Here’s why it happens: Whether you choose custom 3D-printed LightForce™ braces, clear braces or metal braces, braces are designed to exert just enough pressure to gradually align your teeth and jaw bones over time. Although this pressure is gentle, it’s consistent. This can leave the gums feeling sore as they adjust to the support of your braces. 

The good news? The sensation doesn’t last too long, we promise! The initial tenderness lasts about a week to two weeks.

What to eat with braces the first week

If you’re preparing for braces and wondering, “what can I eat with braces on the first day?” we have answers! 

We recommend starting off with soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Here’s a list of foods you can eat with braces, especially the first week: 

• Smoothies
• Oatmeal
• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Soft noodles and pasta
• Soup
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft fruits
• Jello

Consider mixing a few braces-friendly foods together – like yogurt mixed with berries and honey!

What not to eat with braces the first week

In general, the following types of food should be avoided when wearing braces, as they can damage your brackets or wires:

• Nuts
• Hard candy
• Chewy foods, like gum, taffy and caramel
• Popcorn
• Bagels
• Whole apples (You can still dice them up! Just don’t bite into an apple or other hard fruits.)
• Hard pizza crust

Common Questions about Eating with Braces

• Q: How long after getting braces can you eat normal or solid foods?
• A: The time it takes to adjust to the pressure caused by braces varies among patients. Some may become used to the sensation in a couple of days, while others may take a week. Returning to a normal diet (that is still braces-friendly) can take a week on average.

• Q: Besides eating soft foods, is there anything else I can do about the soreness?
• A: For patients who experience moderate discomfort try an over-the-counter pain reliever that you’d normally take for a headache.  Try gargling some warm salt water to ease any discomfort too.

• Q: Can you eat pizza and burgers with braces?

• A: Yes, you can eat both pizza and burgers with braces – with caution.  Avoid hard, chewy pizza crusts and hard, chewy toppings on pizza and burgers. Consider cutting your pizza or burger into smaller bites that are easier on your braces.

• Q: What sweets can you eat with braces?
• A: If you have a sweet tooth and your #1 concern is, “can I eat ice cream with braces?” – you’ll be happy to know that yes, you can absolutely eat ice cream with braces. Just avoid hard, crunchy toppings, like nuts and hard candy toppings. 

Here’s a list of tasty sweets you can eat with braces:

• Chocolate
• Soft cookies
• Frozen yogurt (without hard toppings)
• Ice cream (without hard toppings)
• Soft candies
• Pies (without hard crust)
• Pudding
• Cakes
• Cupcakes
• Bite-sized pieces of fruit

There aren’t too many sweet treats that are off-limits with braces.

• Q: Is there any type of braces that doesn’t come with dietary restrictions?
• A: If you can’t bear the thought of taking a short hiatus from your favorite foods, Invisalign® clear aligners may be a better fit for you! Clear aligners can be removed before eating and drinking, which means all of your favorite foods are still on the table throughout your treatment. It’s important to us that we provide orthodontic treatments that suit your lifestyle and make the treatment experience as easy as possible. 

Drs. Morejón and Andrews are your certified Platinum providers for Invisalign in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach! Schedule a free Invisalign consultation near you.

We’re here to support you!

Your team at Morejón + Andrews Orthodontics in Ormond Beach and Palm Coast is here to support you as you adjust to life with braces – from your first week with braces through the moment your beautiful new smile is revealed and your hard work pays off.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Ready to schedule a complimentary consultation for you or your child? Dr. Morejón and Dr. Andrews are your highly-experienced  children’s orthodontist and orthodontist for teens and kids near you.

Book your complimentary consultation today!