Getting braces is an exciting time, but it also comes with many questions, especially around food. One of the most common questions people have when getting braces is: can you bite a burger with braces?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can bite a burger with braces, but you’ll need to take smaller bites and be cautious. Burgers require more chewing than foods like pasta or eggs. Take your time and chew thoroughly with your back teeth to avoid damage to your braces.
Chewing with Braces
Chewing with braces takes some adjustment. Your orthodontist will give you guidelines on what foods to avoid and how to bite and chew safely with your new orthodontic appliance.
Here are some tips for chewing with braces:
- Take small bites of food.
- Chew slowly and thoroughly, especially hard or crunchy foods.
- Chew with your back teeth as much as possible.
- Avoid biting into foods with your front teeth.
- Cut food into smaller pieces when needed.
- Avoid very hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods that could damage braces.
Following these tips will help you chew comfortably while keeping your braces intact. It may take some time getting used to having braces when you eat.
Eating Burgers with Braces
Burgers require more chewing power than softer foods. The bun, patty, vegetables and other toppings make each bite quite large. Taking big bites of a burger can damage your braces.
Here are some tips for eating burgers with braces:
- Use a knife and fork to cut the burger into small pieces.
- If eating with your hands, take small bites and chew thoroughly with your back molars.
- Avoid large bites that require opening your mouth wide.
- Stick to softer burger toppings like cheese, bacon, avocado. Avoid hard vegetables like raw onion.
- Skip the sesame seed bun if possible. Seeds can get stuck in braces.
- Go for a plain burger patty rather than one with nuts or other hard bits.
- Consider ordering a smaller slider-style burger.
Taking smaller bites and being cautious while chewing will allow you to enjoy burgers without braces damage.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
While you can eat most foods with braces, some are riskier and more likely to cause damage. Here are some foods orthodontists recommend avoiding with braces:
| Food | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Hard or sticky candy | Can bend wires and brackets or get stuck in braces |
| Chewy caramels | Stick to braces and are hard to remove |
| Taffy | Sticks to teeth and braces |
| Ice | Can damage or dislodge brackets |
| Hard chips or pretzels | Breaking off pieces can damage wires |
| Hard popcorn or nuts | Can break brackets or bend wires |
| Apples/carrots | Crunchy and require cutting into small pieces |
| Corn on the cob | Kernels can get stuck in braces |
| Chewy pizza crust | Takes force to bite through and chew |
Being aware of problem foods can help you avoid potential issues. Your orthodontist may provide a detailed list of foods to steer clear of while you have braces.
Tips for Eating with Braces
Adjusting to braces takes time but these tips can help make mealtimes easier:
- Cut food into small pieces before eating.
- Chew slowly using back teeth.
- Avoid very hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky foods.
- Steam or boil harder veggies like carrots and broccoli.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy.
- Rinse with water after meals to avoid food stuck in braces.
- Be extra careful with forks and spoons to avoid damage.
It also helps to plan ahead for meals. Cook softer foods that require less chewing. Have ingredients like cooked chicken cut up to add to salads or wraps. Steer clear of the foods your orthodontist warns about.
Pain When Eating with Braces
It’s normal to have some tooth soreness and adjustment pain after getting braces on. The brackets and wires put pressure on your teeth to shift their position. This can cause temporary discomfort.
However, if you experience sharp pain or bleeding when eating, call your orthodontist. You may have something stuck or broken. Don’t try to remove any stuck food yourself as it could damage braces.
Use orthodontic wax over any areas that are irritating your mouth. Take over-the-counter pain medicine if needed for soreness. Cold foods like smoothies or ice cream can help soothe pain after an adjustment.
The pain typically improves within a few days as your mouth adjusts. Proper oral hygiene and being careful when eating will also reduce any issues.
Changing Your Diet with Braces
Getting braces often means making dietary changes, especially in the first few weeks. Here are some tips for adjusting your diet:
- Increase soft foods – Try more yogurt, eggs, smoothies, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, beans, soup.
- Cut up fruits and vegetables – Dice apples and carrots into small pieces before eating.
- Go easy on snacking – Constant snacking means more food particles to get stuck.
- Drink plenty of water – Helps keep mouth clean and food from sticking.
- Avoid sugary drinks – Can lead to cavities around braces.
- Cut down chewing gum – Can stick to braces and harden.
- Eat slower – Helps avoid biting cheeks, lips, or braces.
- Stock up on orthodontic-friendly foods – Buy more of the items recommended by your orthodontist.
The first week with braces will involve the biggest diet changes. Once your mouth adjusts, you can add back in some of your regular foods, but in moderation.
Best Foods for Braces
Focusing on braces-friendly foods will prevent damage and pain. Here are some of the top foods to eat with braces:
- Yogurt
- Soups
- Pasta
- Casseroles
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Protein shakes
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Beans
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Applesauce
Stick to soft, moist foods that don’t require much chewing force. If eating harder foods like apples, cut them up first.
Worst Foods for Braces
While treats are tempting, some popular favorites can wreak havoc on your braces. Steer clear of:
- Hard candy
- Chewing gum
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Ice cubes
- Hard chips
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard or crunchy raw vegetables
- Beef jerky
- Pizza crust
- Hard pretzels
- Corn on the cob
Foods that are very hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky are too risky for braces. These foods can also irritate mouth sores or injuries from newly adjusted braces.
Proper Oral Hygiene with Braces
Good oral hygiene is even more important when you have braces. Food particles easily get stuck, putting you at increased risk for plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Be diligent with your braces cleaning routine:
- Brush after every meal for 3 minutes.
- Floss at least once daily.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush gently around brackets.
- Use a proxy brush to clean between wires.
- See your dentist every 6 months.
- Avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, berries.
Thorough brushing and flossing removes debris that gets stuck. This keeps teeth and gums healthy while you have braces.
Caring for Braces
Beyond good oral hygiene, also be careful around your braces. Follow these tips:
- Use mouthguard when playing sports.
- Avoid chewing pens, nails or other objects.
- Visit your orthodontist if your braces are damaged.
- Wear removable retainers as directed.
- Don’t play with rubber bands in your braces.
- Avoid sticky, sugary treats.
- Use orthodontic wax over any sharp areas.
Take steps to prevent damage to your braces and call your orthodontist right away if something feels wrong. Leaving issues unchecked can lengthen treatment time.
Foods to Eat After Adjustments
Your teeth will be the most sore and sensitive in the days following a braces adjustment. Stick to soft, mild foods to allow your mouth to heal. Good options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Pasta
- Rice
- Bananas
Avoid foods that require biting or chewing with your front teeth. Stick to liquid or pureed foods initially until the soreness improves.
Pain Relief for Adjustments
Orthodontic adjustments involve tightening wires, replacing rubber bands or attaching new brackets. This constant pressure on the teeth can cause moderate pain for several days after.
Options to relieve braces pain include:
- Over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Cold treats like ice cream, popsicles, smoothies
- Salt water rinse
- Dental wax over irritation spots
- Soft foods diet
- Gentle brushing and flossing
The discomfort normally peaks in the first 3 days then gradually improves by day 7. Call your orthodontist if the pain seems excessive or doesn’t get better.
Living with Braces
Braces are worn for an average of 1-3 years while they gradually shift teeth into better alignment. Here are some tips for living with braces comfortably:
- Stick to your orthodontist’s instructions on foods to avoid.
- Allot extra time for careful brushing and flossing.
- Use dental wax on sharp braces.
- Take pain relievers as needed for adjustment soreness.
- See your orthodontist immediately if anything breaks or feels wrong.
- Ask your orthodontist before playing contact sports.
- Plan for extra time at appointments for adjustments.
- Rinse your mouth after eating to remove food debris.
- Change your oral hygiene tools (brush, flosser, etc.) every 3-4 months.
With the proper care and precautions, braces can be maintained for their entire duration. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely for the best results.
Braces Removal
After completing your course of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will remove the braces. This involves:
- Numbing around the braces if needed
- Removing each individual bracket with a special tool
- Using a scaler to remove any remaining adhesive
- Polishing and cleaning the newly aligned teeth
- Fitting retainers to hold teeth in position
It only takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove braces and any adhesive left on the teeth. The straightening results are permanent but retainers are needed to prevent shifts.
Post-Braces Life
Your smile makeover is complete once the braces come off! Here’s what to expect next:
- Wear retainers as directed, usually at nighttime.
- Brush normally without special precautions.
- You can bite into foods like apples and corn on the cob.
- Focus on keeping teeth clean and white.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.
- You may consider teeth whitening after 1-2 years.
After years in braces, the freedom to eat anything and not clean around wires is exciting! Just be sure to wear retainers as prescribed to prevent shifting.
Conclusion
You can absolutely eat burgers and a wide range of other foods with braces! Just focus on taking smaller bites, chewing thoroughly with back teeth, cutting food into pieces, and avoiding the hardest or stickiest treats.
Proper oral hygiene and following your orthodontist’s dietary guidelines prevents damage so you can finish treatment on time. Adjusting your food choices while eating slower and more carefully will allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods in moderation.
