Many people with braces wonder about the impact of their favorite foods on their orthodontic treatment. M&Ms, with their hard candy shell and creamy center, are a popular treat, but are they brace-friendly? The short answer is: it's complicated, and depends on several factors. Let's delve into the details.
What Happens When You Eat Hard Candy with Braces?
Hard candies, like the shell of an M&M, pose a significant risk to your braces. The hard candy shell can:
- Break or loosen brackets: The force of biting down on a hard candy can exert enough pressure to crack or dislodge brackets, disrupting your orthodontic treatment and potentially causing pain.
- Bend or break wires: Similarly, the hard candy can bend or even snap the wires that connect your brackets, requiring a visit to your orthodontist for repairs.
- Damage the bonding material: The adhesive holding the brackets to your teeth can be weakened or compromised by the force applied by biting hard candies.
While the chocolate center itself isn't as problematic, the overall act of eating hard candies while wearing braces increases the likelihood of damage.
Are M&Ms Completely Off-Limits?
Not necessarily. The risk of damage is significantly reduced if you:
- Crush the M&Ms before eating: This lessens the force exerted on your braces. Simply crushing them between your molars before eating can make them much safer.
- Eat them slowly and carefully: Avoid biting down directly on the M&Ms with your front teeth.
- Check for loose candies: Ensure there are no stray pieces of hard candy shell stuck in your braces after eating.
What Other Foods Should I Avoid with Braces?
Many hard and sticky foods can damage braces. It's best to avoid:
- Hard candies: This includes all hard candies, not just M&Ms.
- Ice: The hardness of ice is particularly risky.
- Popcorn: The hard kernels can dislodge brackets.
- Nuts: These can also cause damage due to their hardness.
- Sticky candies: Caramels, taffy, and other sticky candies can get stuck in your braces and potentially pull brackets loose.
- Hard-crusted bread: Avoid biting directly into crusty bread.
How Can I Protect My Braces While Eating?
Besides avoiding risky foods, consider:
- Using a protective wax: Your orthodontist may recommend using orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or irritating parts of your braces.
- Cutting food into smaller pieces: This reduces the force needed to bite and chew.
- Following your orthodontist’s instructions: Your orthodontist is the best source of information on what you should and shouldn't eat with braces.
What Should I Do If I Damage My Braces?
If you suspect any damage to your braces, contact your orthodontist immediately. Prompt attention can help minimize further problems and prevent delays in your treatment.
Can I still enjoy treats with braces?
Absolutely! Many foods are perfectly safe to eat with braces. Focus on softer foods and be mindful of your chewing habits to protect your investment in a healthy, beautiful smile. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting your braces and ensuring a successful orthodontic journey.
