| Quick Answer: With braces, skip summer foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy — corn on the cob, whole apples, caramel and taffy, popcorn, hard candy, nuts, and ice. They can break brackets and bend wires, leading to extra visits. Stick to braces-friendly swaps like cut fruit, soft-cooked veggies, yogurt, and smoothies, and you can enjoy summer without the broken-bracket detours. |
Summer brings barbecues, fairs, and pool-side snacks — and a few hazards for anyone in braces. A broken bracket can mean an unplanned trip to the office and a longer treatment. At Jensen Orthodontics, Dr. Stephen Jensen and our team put together this guide so your family can enjoy the season and protect your investment.
Why Certain Foods Are a Problem
Braces are strong, but hard and sticky foods put them to the test. Hard foods can snap brackets or bend wires; sticky foods pull at the hardware and trap sugar; and biting into tough foods with your front teeth is a common way brackets pop off. Each mishap can add time to treatment.
Summer Foods to Avoid
| Skip this summer favorite | Why |
|---|---|
| Corn on the cob | Biting in pulls brackets off — cut kernels off instead |
| Whole apples & hard fruit | Hard bite force damages brackets — slice them |
| Caramel, taffy, gummies | Sticky; pull at and bend the hardware |
| Popcorn | Hulls lodge under wires; hard kernels crack brackets |
| Hard candy & ice | Cracks brackets when bitten or chewed |
| Nuts & hard pretzels | Hard texture breaks brackets and wires |
Braces-Friendly Summer Swaps
- Watermelon and cut-up soft fruit instead of whole apples
- Corn cut off the cob instead of on it
- Yogurt, smoothies, and popsicles (lower-sugar) for cool treats
- Soft-cooked veggies, hummus, and cheese
- Soft tacos, pasta, and tender grilled foods
Tips for Eating Out and On the Go
- Cut hard or chewy foods into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
- Carry a braces kit (wax, travel toothbrush, floss threaders) for sticky situations.
- Choose water over sticky, sugary drinks to protect both braces and teeth.
- Rinse or brush after sweets to clear sugar from around the brackets.
If You Break a Bracket This Summer
It happens — don’t panic. Save any loose pieces, cover a poking wire or bracket with wax for comfort, and call us to schedule a repair. The sooner a broken bracket is fixed, the less it affects your treatment timeline.
Visit Jensen Orthodontics
Heading into a summer of cookouts and county-fair treats? Dr. Stephen Jensen and our Las Cruces team are here for both routine adjustments and the occasional broken bracket. Whether you’re in traditional braces or considering Invisalign, reach out anytime your treatment needs attention — we want every patient confident all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What summer foods should I avoid with braces?
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods: corn on the cob, whole apples, caramel and taffy, popcorn, hard candy, nuts, and ice. They can break brackets and bend wires.
Can I eat corn on the cob with braces?
Not on the cob — biting in can pull brackets off. Cut the kernels off the cob and you can still enjoy it safely.
What are braces-friendly summer foods?
Cut-up soft fruit, watermelon, yogurt, smoothies, lower-sugar popsicles, soft-cooked veggies, cheese, and tender grilled foods.
What happens if I break a bracket?
Save any loose pieces, cover a poking wire or bracket with wax, and call your orthodontist to schedule a repair. Fixing it promptly keeps treatment on track.
Can I have ice cream and popsicles with braces?
Yes — soft cold treats are fine. Just avoid biting hard ice and choose lower-sugar options, and rinse afterward to clear sugar from around the brackets.
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Enjoying summer with braces? We truly care about every patient’s confidence and smile. Reach out to get your appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Jensen Orthodontics │ 3045 E University Ave, Suite E, Las Cruces, NM 88011 │ (575) 522-1779 │ Contact Us → |