Presented by Morgan Orthodontics – Leesburg & Winchester, VA
Summer is the season of sunshine, pool days, and of course—snacking! Whether you’re headed to the beach, a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon at home, snacks are an essential part of summer fun. But if you or your child is wearing braces or clear aligners, not all treats are safe to enjoy. Crunchy, sticky, or hard foods can damage brackets or wires, delaying progress and causing unnecessary discomfort.
At Morgan Orthodontics, we want you to enjoy your summer while keeping your smile safe. That’s why we’ve put together a list of braces-friendly (and clear aligners-friendly!) summer snacks that are both tasty and safe for orthodontic patients.
Braces-Friendly Summer Snacks to Love
🍉 Fresh Fruit, the Soft Way
Soft fruits are perfect for patients with braces! Think:
- Watermelon – juicy and easy to chew.
- Berries – blueberries, strawberries (sliced), and raspberries are gentle on braces.
- Bananas and seedless grapes – sweet and satisfying.
✅ Pro Tip: Avoid biting directly into harder fruits like apples or peaches. Instead, slice them thinly or opt for canned (sugar-free) options.
🍦 Cool and Creamy Treats
Summertime often means ice cream, but not all frozen desserts are created equal for braces:
- Soft-serve ice cream or yogurt
- Pudding cups
- Frozen bananas dipped in yogurt
- Smoothies – endless combinations of fruit, greens, and even a scoop of protein for added nutrition!
✅ Pro Tip: Avoid frozen treats with nuts, caramel, or hard candy coatings.
🧀 Cheese, Please!
Cheese is soft, calcium-rich, and packed with flavor. It’s a win for your teeth and your taste buds.
- Try string cheese, cubed cheese, or a slice of mild cheddar.
- Combine with soft crackers (not crunchy) for a satisfying snack.
🍞 Soft Baked Goods
When you want something carby:
- Soft muffins (banana, blueberry)
- Mini pancakes or waffles
- Soft tortilla wraps with turkey or hummus
✅ Pro Tip: Skip the crusty bread and hard granola bars—they can wreak havoc on your braces!
Snacks to Avoid with Braces
- Popcorn (kernels can get lodged in braces)
- Chewy candy (taffy, licorice, caramel)
- Nuts (hard and easy to get stuck)
- Hard chips, pretzels, or bagels
- Ice (never chew on ice—even without braces!)
If you’re wearing clear aligners, you can enjoy most of these treats—but always remove your aligners before eating and brush before putting them back in.
Summer Snacking Tips for Braces and Clear Aligners
- Hydrate often with water—skip sugary sodas and juices to protect enamel.
- Brush and floss after snacking to avoid food particles getting stuck in brackets.
- Pack a travel orthodontic kit with a toothbrush, floss picks, orthodontic wax, and a mirror if you’re on the go.
- If you’re using clear aligners, rinse your aligners frequently and keep them in a clean case while eating.
🦷 Q&A: Braces & Summer Snack Edition
Q: Can I eat corn on the cob with braces?
A: Corn is fine—if it’s off the cob. Biting into a cob can dislodge brackets. Cut the kernels off and enjoy with a spoon!
Q: What’s a good treat to bring to a summer birthday party?
A: Try soft cupcakes (without nuts), fruit kabobs (with soft fruits), or mini yogurt parfaits. They’re festive and braces-friendly.
Q: What about snow cones or shaved ice?
A: Shaved ice is fine, as long as it’s not hard-packed and you avoid chewing. Be mindful of sugary syrups, which can contribute to plaque buildup.
Q: Can Clear Aligners patients eat anything they want?
A: Yes, but they must remove their aligners first. It’s also essential to brush and rinse before reinserting them to avoid staining or buildup.
Q: How can I help my child stick to braces-friendly foods at summer camp?
A: Pack a “braces-safe” snack box with pre-sliced fruits, soft protein snacks (like string cheese or turkey slices), and single-serve yogurts. Remind them to avoid sticky and crunchy camp snacks like trail mix or chewy bars.
Visit Morgan Orthodontics for Your Best Smile
At Morgan Orthodontics, we believe that taking care of your smile shouldn’t mean missing out on summer fun. Whether you’re sporting traditional braces or clear aligners, we’re here to support you with tips, tools, and top-notch orthodontic care throughout the year.
📍 Our Locations & Contact Info
Leesburg Office:
📍 19420 Golf Vista Plaza, Ste. 120, Leesburg, VA 20176
📞 703-723-5900
Winchester Office:
📍 1841 West Plaza Dr., Winchester, VA 22601
📞 540-667-5446
Purcellville Office:
📍 610 E Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132
📞 540-338-8125
✨ Have questions or want to schedule your next appointment?
Visit us at https://morganorthodontics.com or call your nearest location!
Morgan Orthodontics—Where your summer smile begins! 😁