What to Eat (and Avoid) in Your First Week of Braces or Invisalign

Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you realize your teen needs to rethink their eating habits. Whether they’ve just gotten traditional braces or started their Invisalign journey, the first week is crucial for setting them up for success and comfort.

As Portland’s #1 Diamond Invisalign provider with over 50 years of experience helping families navigate orthodontic treatment, we’ve guided thousands of teens and their parents through this adjustment period. The good news? With the right food choices and some creative modifications, your teen can still enjoy many of their favorite foods during that crucial first week. We’ll cover everything from pizza and popcorn to sports drinks and mall food—read on for the complete guide parents need.

Why the First Week Matters Most

Your teen’s mouth needs time to adjust to their new orthodontic appliance. With traditional braces, their teeth and gums are getting used to the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, their teeth are beginning their gradual movement process. Both scenarios can create some initial tenderness that makes certain foods uncomfortable.

The foods your teen chooses during this critical first week can make the difference between a smooth adjustment period and unnecessary discomfort. Below, we break down exactly what they can eat and what to avoid, including how to modify their favorite foods.

Quick Reference: Popular Teen Foods

Teen Favorites: How to Modify Popular Foods

Pizza (Yes, They Can Still Have It!)

• The safe way: Cut pizza into small, bite-sized pieces
• Avoid: Biting directly into a slice or extra-thick crusts
• Pro tip: Thin crust is easier to manage than deep dish

Mall Food Court Survival

• Soft pretzels: break into small pieces; skip the hard, crusty exterior
• Chinese food: soft noodles and tender meats work great
• Smoothies and bubble tea: solid choices (remove tapioca pearls for braces)
• Avoid: hard cookies, crunchy tacos, whole soft pretzels

Movie Theater Snacks

• Skip: popcorn (kernels get stuck and can damage braces)
• Better choices: chocolate that melts, soft cookies, slushies
• Nachos: only if cheese is melted and chips are broken into small pieces

Sports and On-the-Go Foods

• Orange slices: cut into small pieces; avoid biting directly
• Sports drinks: fine in moderation; rinse afterward
• Energy bars: choose soft varieties; break into pieces
• Trail mix: remove nuts and hard pieces; keep soft dried fruits

Restaurant and Sushi Options

• Sushi: soft rolls work well when cut into smaller pieces
• Avoid: tempura (hard coating), hard vegetables in rolls
• Better choices: sashimi, California rolls, salmon–avocado rolls

Nutritious Options Parents Will Love

Soft Proteins for Growing Teens

• Scrambled eggs or egg salad
• Soft fish like salmon or cod
• Ground turkey or chicken
• Tofu and soft beans
• Greek yogurt and cottage cheese

Smart Carbohydrate Choices

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Soft pasta with smooth sauces
• Oatmeal and cream of wheat
• Soft bread (crusts removed)
• Rice and quinoa

Fruits and Vegetables That Work

• Bananas and soft berries
• Applesauce and peeled pears
• Steamed vegetables like carrots and broccoli
• Smoothies and fruit juices
• Avocado

Soothing Options for Discomfort

• Cold smoothies and milkshakes
• Ice cream and frozen yogurt
• Cold soups like gazpacho
• Popsicles (sugar-free preferred)

Foods to Definitely Avoid

Hard Foods That Can Damage Braces

• Whole nuts and hard candies
• Ice cubes
• Whole raw carrots and apples
• Popcorn
• Hard chips like Doritos or Fritos
• Crusty pizza edges and hard bread

Sticky Foods That Cause Big Problems

• Caramel and taffy
• Gummy bears and fruit snacks
• Laffy Taffy and Starburst
• Chewing gum (even sugar-free)
• Sticky granola bars

Drinks That Can Cause Issues

• Soda: limit during Invisalign wear; rinse after drinking with braces
• Sports drinks: high sugar can cause decay around brackets
• Energy drinks: same concerns as soda, plus high acidity

Tip for parents: Water should be the go-to drink, especially with Invisalign.

Helpful Video

Special Considerations for Invisalign Patients

• Timing matters: Wear aligners 20–22 hours/day; plan meals and snacks to avoid long breaks.
• Clean before replacing: Brush or rinse thoroughly before putting aligners back in.
• Temperature awareness: Very hot foods and drinks can warp aligners—let items cool slightly.

Traditional Braces: Extra Care Required

• Cut everything small: Even safe foods should be cut into small, manageable pieces (apples, carrots, sandwiches).
• Avoid the “bite and tear” method: Don’t bite directly into foods like pizza or subs.
• Master the art of chewing: Use back teeth whenever possible; be gentle with front teeth.

Quick Meal Ideas for Busy Teen Schedules

Breakfast Before School

• Smoothie with protein powder (grab-and-go)
• Scrambled eggs with soft cheese
• Oatmeal with mashed banana and brown sugar
• Soft pancakes cut into small pieces

Lunch Solutions (School or Home)

• Mac and cheese with soft breadsticks
• Soft chicken quesadilla cut into triangles
• Pasta salad with small, tender ingredients
• Soup and soft sandwich combo

After-School Snacks

• Cheese cubes with soft crackers
• Yogurt with soft granola
• Smoothies or protein shakes
• Soft cookies or muffins

Dinner Ideas the Whole Family Will Enjoy

• Slow-cooked pulled chicken or pork
• Soft tacos with ground meat
• Pasta with meat sauce
• Baked fish with mashed sweet potatoes

Managing Discomfort Through Food Choices

• Cold foods: ice cream, frozen yogurt, and cold smoothies can soothe sore spots.
• Anti-inflammatory options: salmon (omega-3s) and spices like turmeric may help reduce swelling.
• Soft textures: creamy soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt require minimal chewing while providing nutrition.

The Garfinkle Orthodontics Difference

At Garfinkle Orthodontics, we don’t just give you braces or aligners and send you on your way. As a third-generation dental family, we’ve learned that successful treatment depends on comprehensive patient education and ongoing support.

Our comprehensive orthodontic care includes detailed nutritional guidance, emergency support, and regular check-ins to ensure your treatment stays on track. We’re not a corporate chain but rather your neighbors, invested in your long-term success. Dr. Judah Garfinkle’s expertise as Director of Craniofacial Orthodontics at OHSU means we understand how diet affects not just your comfort, but your overall treatment outcomes. Dr. Ryan Thrower’s personal experience as a former orthodontic patient gives her unique insight into what you’re experiencing.

Beyond the First Week: Building Healthy Habits

While the first week requires extra caution, developing good eating habits now will serve you throughout your entire treatment journey. The foods that work well during your adjustment period often become go-to options for your entire treatment.

Consider this first week as an opportunity to discover new favorite foods and cooking methods. Many of our patients tell us they’ve improved their overall nutrition during orthodontic treatment by focusing on softer, often healthier options.

When to Call Our Office

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief
• Broken brackets or wires from eating
• Aligners that don’t fit properly after eating
• Any concerns about your treatment progress

Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With the right preparation and food choices, your first week doesn’t have to be difficult—and it can set the tone for a smooth, successful orthodontic journey.