Getting braces is a big milestone—especially for kids and teens. For many Milwaukee families, it’s an exciting step toward a healthier smile and more confidence. However, as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) emphasizes, maintaining your appliances is just as important as wearing them.
Whether you get traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, clear aligners, or a palatal expander are on, one of the first questions parents ask is: “Okay… what can they eat now?”
The first few days often come with mild soreness, and choosing the wrong snacks can lead to broken brackets or bent wires. The good news is that by following AAO-recommended guidelines, your child can still enjoy plenty of delicious, braces-safe meals.
This guide combines expert advice with helpful tips for Milwaukee families navigating orthodontic care for the first time, ensuring your journey to a perfect smile stays on track.
Why Food Choices Matter When You Have Braces
Braces are strong, but they’re made up of small parts — brackets, wires, and bands — that can loosen or break if the wrong foods put too much pressure on them.
When a bracket pops off or a wire bends, it often means:
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An unexpected orthodontic visit
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Discomfort for your child
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Potential delays in treatment
Food also gets trapped more easily with braces, which makes good brushing and smart snack choices even more important to avoid cavities.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
Some foods are simply harder to manage during orthodontic treatment. These are the biggest ones orthodontists recommend avoiding:
Hard Foods That Can Break Braces
Hard foods are one of the most common reasons brackets come loose.
Try to avoid:
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Nuts like almonds or peanuts
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Hard candy (even if your child says they’ll “just suck on it”)
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Ice — chewing ice is a quick way to damage braces
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Crunchy raw veggies like carrots unless cooked or chopped
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Hard crust pizza or baguettes
Milwaukee tip: Crunchy snacks from school vending machines can be tempting, but they’re often braces troublemakers.
Sticky or Chewy Foods That Get Stuck
Sticky foods cling to brackets and wires and are difficult to clean out.
Avoid:
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Caramel
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Taffy
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Gummy bears or fruit snacks
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Chewing gum
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Sticky dried fruit like raisins
These foods can pull at braces and also increase the risk of plaque buildup.
Foods That Require Biting With Front Teeth
Biting into firm foods puts pressure on the front brackets.
Be careful with:
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Whole apples (slice them instead)
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Corn on the cob (cut kernels off)
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Ribs or chicken wings (remove meat from the bone first)
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Thick sandwiches on crusty bread
Braces-Friendly Foods Kids Can Still Enjoy
Braces don’t mean your child has to live on mashed potatoes — but softer foods are definitely the easiest, especially early on.
Great braces-safe options include:
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Pasta (always a win for kids)
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Scrambled eggs
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Mac and cheese
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Yogurt or smoothies
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Mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
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Soup, especially during colder Milwaukee winters
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Soft fruits like bananas or berries
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Cooked vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted squash
Cold Treats That Help With Soreness
After an adjustment, cold foods can be soothing.
Try:
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Ice cream (skip the hard toppings)
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Pudding
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Applesauce
A cold treat can actually help reduce some of the pressure kids feel after tightening appointments.
Tips for Eating With Braces (Especially for Kids)
Most kids adjust quickly, but these tips make things easier:
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Cut food into smaller pieces
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Chew slowly and carefully
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Use back teeth instead of biting with front teeth
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Rinse with water after meals to help remove stuck food
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Brush thoroughly, especially around brackets
Parents: Packing braces-friendly lunches for school the first few weeks can really help prevent accidents.
What to Eat After Braces Are Tightened
It’s normal for teeth to feel sore for a day or two after adjustments. Soft meals are best during that time.
Some easy go-to foods include:
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Oatmeal
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Soup or chili
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Scrambled eggs
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Smoothies or protein shakes
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Soft pasta dishes
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Mashed potatoes
If soreness lasts longer than expected, or something feels loose, it’s always worth calling your orthodontic office.
Eating Out With Braces in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has no shortage of great food — and yes, you can still enjoy eating out with braces.
Some braces-friendly choices around town include:
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Soft tacos or burrito bowls
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Pasta dishes at Italian restaurants
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Fish fries (just skip crunchy crusty bites)
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Cheese curds — only if they’re soft, not overly chewy
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Noodles, dumplings, and rice dishes
Most restaurants are happy to accommodate — just choose softer options and avoid anything too crunchy or sticky.
Final Thoughts: Braces Get Easier (We Promise)
The first few weeks with braces come with a learning curve, but it gets easier fast. With the right food choices and a few simple habits, your child will be back to eating comfortably — while keeping treatment on track.
Avoiding problem foods now helps prevent broken brackets, extra appointments, and unnecessary discomfort later.
Questions About Braces Care in Milwaukee?
Our orthodontic team is here to support Milwaukee families every step of the way — from the first day of braces to the final smile.
If you have questions about what you or your child or teen can eat, how to care for braces, or what to expect during treatment, we’re always happy to help.
Schedule a consultation today and let’s build a confident smile together.