Braces, the metallic or ceramic dental superheroes designed to give us that straight, winning smile, place a few restrictions on our culinary adventures.
But does that mean our sweet tooth has to go into hibernation? Not necessarily. Whether you’re new to the world of braces or a seasoned pro, knowing what candy you can safely enjoy is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore the confectionery aisle from a brace-wearer’s perspective, answering the burning question – Can you eat Twix with braces?
Know the Braces Diet
Dental braces, while invaluable in aligning teeth, can be quite sensitive to certain food textures or consistencies.
Sticky, chewy, or hard candies are the worst offenders, as they can get lodged in the braces, potentially causing damage, or they may be too tough to chew, risking a broken bracket. A safe approach with braces is to opt for softer, braces-friendly candies.
But fear not—’softer’ doesn’t have to mean ‘less tasty’. You can still indulge in a vast array of delicious sweet treats as long as you’re mindful of their properties.
The key is to find candies that are soft enough to be gentle on your braces but still satisfying enough to satisfy your cravings.
Can you eat Twix with Braces?
The short answer to whether you can enjoy Twix with braces is, unfortunately, no. Twix, a beloved chocolate bar consisting of a biscuit base topped with caramel and coated in chocolate, falls into the category of candies that are not braces-friendly.
The biscuit component presents a hard texture that can be challenging to bite into without risking damage to your braces.
Additionally, the caramel layer is sticky and chewy, posing a high risk of getting stuck in the brackets and wires, which can be difficult to clean and might lead to dental issues.
Hence, it’s advisable to steer clear of Twix and similar candies until your braces treatment is complete.
Can you eat Skittles with Braces?
Moving on to Skittles, the popular, rainbow-hued candies that promise a taste of the rainbow with each handful. The question arises – are these fruity, chewy treats braces-friendly? Unfortunately, much like Twix, Skittles are not recommended for those with braces.
Skittles are extremely chewy and have a tendency to stick to teeth and dental work, thereby posing a risk to both the brackets and the wires of the braces. Eating Skittles can lead to a higher risk of damaging your orthodontic appliances, requiring additional trips to the orthodontist for repairs.
Additionally, the sugar content can contribute to the risk of cavities, especially when cleaning around braces is already a bit more challenging. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid Skittles while your braces are in place.
Now I think you get answer about can i eat twix with braces or not, so we will continue our discussion.
What Candy Can You Eat with Braces?
With some of the most popular candies out of the question, you may be wondering what sweet treats are safe to enjoy with braces. Thankfully, there’s still a wide variety of soft and braces-friendly options available.
Here are some examples of candies you can eat with braces:
Soft Chocolates for the Sweet Tooth
When it comes to chocolate, not all bars are created equal in the braces department. The Twix bar, for instance, is layered with a biscuit that can be chewy and caramel that’s quite sticky, making it a treat to steer clear of while braces are being worn. Instead, opt for soft milk chocolates, plain chocolate bars, or those filled with creamy centers, like truffles.
These are typically soft enough to melt in your mouth without requiring significant chewing, and their smooth texture won’t harm your braces.
Tender Jelly Sweets for the Chew Factor
Gummy bears and taffy may be off-limits, but there are plenty of jelly candies available that won’t lead to a sticky situation. Look for jelly beans, soft licorice candies, and even some fruit snacks that are soft and gentle on braces.
These treats can still give you the chewy satisfaction without the risk of getting stuck in your orthodontics.
Mints and Lollipops for the ‘Less Chewy’ Fix
Candies that dissolve rather than need to be chewed offer a great option for braces wearers. Mints, soft peppermints, and some lollipops can provide a sweet taste without overworking your braces.
While some lollipops might cause cavities due to prolonged exposure to sugar, others that are sugar-free may offer a safer, long-lasting sweet treat.
Categorically ‘No’ Candies for Braces
It’s important to remember that while some candies pose higher risks, there’s a general set of hard and fast ‘no’ candies that should be avoided when dealing with braces. These include:
- Sticky and Chewy Candies: Toffees, caramels, and gummy candies are prime culprits for sticking to brackets and wires, creating cleaning and damage challenges.
- Hard Candies: Jolly Ranchers, and similar hard candies, are potential bracket breakers and should be stayed away from.
- Candies you bite into: The act of biting into certain candies can cause brackets to pop off, like when snapping into a whole piece of rock candy.
The Risks of Unsuitable Candies for Braces
The consumption of candies that are hard, sticky, or require biting can lead to several issues for individuals wearing braces. Primarily, these types of sweets can cause direct damage to the orthodontic devices themselves.
Some possible negative effects of eating candy are:
Teeth Tecay
Sugary, sticky candies can get lodged in between brackets and wires, making them hard to remove even with the help of a toothbrush. This leads to bacteria build-up on teeth, causing decay.
Bending or breaking of wires
The wires used for braces are made to exert a gentle yet consistent pressure on teeth and shift their position slowly. Candies that require forceful chewing or biting can cause these wires to bend or snap, which can delay treatment progress.
Loosening or breaking of brackets
Brackets are the small bits of metal adhered to each tooth that serve as anchors for the braces. Eating hard candies may lead to one or more brackets becoming loosened or knocked off. This not only slows down treatment but can also cause discomfort and may require an extra trip to the orthodontist.
Accumulation of plaque
Sticky, chewy candies can get stuck in braces, making it challenging to clean them thoroughly. The buildup of plaque around the braces can result in tooth decay, bad breath, or gum disease, which can all impact the success of orthodontic treatment.
Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
Braces often apply pressure to the teeth, which can lead to sensitivity. Eating hard candies or biting into anything too tough can add unnecessary strain and cause discomfort, sometimes even resulting in loose teeth.
Final Thoughts
Can you have Twix with braces? The answer is yes, with a few caveats. While the actual chocolate portion won’t hurt your braces, the caramel and biscuit can be a challenge to braces-wearers. If you must have a Twix, consider eating around the problem portions and taking extra care with dental hygiene afterward.
In the grand world of confections, there are plenty of delectable options that will keep both your sweet tooth and orthodontist happy. Soft chocolates, gentle jellies, and comforting mints can provide the sweetness you desire without compromising your orthodontic treatment.
Remember, patience is both a dental and a dietary virtue during the braces phase. The beautiful smile you’re working towards will make that first sticky-free Twix post-braces all the more sweet. And for now, enjoy these braces-approved candies – they might just introduce you to a new favorite.