Let’s be honest – the first week with new braces can be tough. In addition to navigating new food restrictions, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out what to eat when your teeth are sore and sensitive,
That’s where meal planning comes in. With a little preparation, you can ensure you have a variety of soft, nutritious foods on hand to help you survive those initial days of discomfort.
Understanding the Adjustment Period
When you first get your braces put on, it’s normal to experience some soreness and sensitivity in your teeth and gums. This is because your teeth are starting to shift into their new positions, and your mouth is adjusting to the presence of the brackets and wires. Most people find that the discomfort peaks around day two to four and then starts to improve. Some pain or discomfort may occur again briefly throughout treatment after your orthodontic visits to adjust your braces.
During this adjustment period, it’s important to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t irritate your teeth or damage your braces. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can cause brackets to come loose or wires to bend, which can prolong your treatment time.
Planning for Braces Success
The key to surviving your first week with braces is to plan ahead. Before your braces appointment, take some time to map out your meals and snacks for the week. Focus on soft, nutritious options that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Here are some meal-planning strategies to try:
Step One: Make a List
Do some research on what foods to avoid with braces and what foods you like that are braces-friendly. Think about both snacks and meals and, if needed, ideas that travel well to bring to work or school.
You can start by considering some of your regular meals that are already a part of your routine. You may find that a few of your favorites are orthodontist-approved. For more ideas, search online for braces-friendly recipes. You can even create a Pinterest Board with your favorites. Pick a few that look great. Some ideas to consider:
- Pureed soups and chilis
- Pasta dishes with soft sauces
- Meatballs or meatloaf (make them small and tender)
- Steamed fish or chicken
- Soft-cooked veggies like green beans, carrots, and zucchini
Step Two: Stock Up on Braces-Friendly Staples
Take a trip to the grocery store (with your list). In addition to grabbing all of the ingredients for your meal ideas, fill your pantry and fridge with soft, easy-to-chew foods like:
- Yogurt, pudding, and smoothies
- Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash
- Soft-cooked pasta, rice, and quinoa
- Scrambled eggs
- Canned fruits (in juice, not syrup) and applesauce
- Soft, non-crusty breads and tortillas
- Soups and stews (watch out for large chunks)
Having a variety of these staples on hand will make meal prep easier.
Step Three: Batch Cook and Freeze
Spend a few hours on the weekend batch cooking soft, braces-friendly meals that you can reheat throughout the week. Portion out your cooked meals into individual containers and freeze them for easy reheating.
Step Four: Prep Snacks in Advance
Having a variety of braces-friendly snacks on hand can help you avoid the temptation to munch on crunchy or sticky foods. Just like your meals, you can prep smoothies or hard-boiled eggs in batches, cut up soft fruits, and portion them in easy-to-grab containers.
With a little imagination, you can create a week’s worth of delicious, satisfying meals and snacks that won’t hurt your teeth.
Reach Out with Any Questions
If you have any questions about what foods are safe to eat with braces, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to support you every step of the way. And remember, the discomfort, and your braces, are temporary. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying all your favorite foods again with your new straighter smile!
