Who doesn’t enjoy a good potato chip now and then? Many people like to snack on chips while watching a game or as a salty addition to their lunch. However, people with braces might worry, “Can you eat lays chips with braces?” Yes, you can enjoy munching on them. But you need to watch that crunch.
What Can Chips Do to Your Braces?
Before talking about the chips you can eat with braces, let’s discuss why crunchy chips should be avoided. According to Dr. Bar Nguyen of Adventure Orthodontics, “When you have braces, it’s important to avoid hard or sticky foods. This is because they can loosen brackets, break wires, or even chip your teeth.”
Chips are one of the biggest culprits for damaging braces and teeth. They are starchy, so they can easily get stuck between brackets and wires. This makes them hard to clean. Plus, chips are usually made with hard ingredients that can damage or break your braces. So, it’s best to avoid crunchy snacks while wearing braces. But if you really want to enjoy chips, go for softer options.
Soft Chips for Braces
“Having braces doesn’t mean that you need to give up on your cravings. There are always alternative ways to cherish what you love.” Says Dr. Bar Nguyen. Following are some brace-friendly options you can try:
Pringles
They are softer than regular chips, making them easier to eat. However, they can still get stuck between brackets and wires. So, eat them carefully, one at a time, to avoid damaging your braces.
Cheese Puffs
Cheese puffs are soft, making them less likely to break brackets or wires. Just avoid any that are too crunchy or hard. Remember to brush your teeth after eating cheese puffs. This helps remove any pieces that might get stuck in your braces.
Baked Chips
Baked chips have a softer texture than regular chips, so they are less likely to damage your braces. However, don’t bite down too hard to avoid breaking a bracket or wire. Baked chips might not be as crispy, but they are still a tasty snack.
Veggie Straws
Made from potatoes and vegetables, veggie straws are a softer, healthier option for people with braces. They are less likely to cause damage and are high in fiber with fewer calories than regular chips. Like cheese puffs, be sure to brush your teeth after eating veggie straws. This helps prevent any pieces from getting stuck in your braces.
Chips to Avoid with Braces
Eating crunchy chips is a quick way to break your braces. Therefore, the following are certain types of chips you need to avoid.
Kettle-cooked Chips: These chips are too hard for braces and can break wires or brackets. Large pieces can also get stuck between your teeth and braces. It’s best to avoid them.
Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips can easily damage braces, especially when eaten with dips. This makes it harder to chew them properly. They can also harm your teeth.
Cheez-Its: Cheez-Its and similar snacks like Goldfish are not braces-friendly. They are hard and can get stuck between brackets and wires. They can push wires out of place, causing further damage.
Cheetos: Cheetos are crunchier than cheese puffs and tougher on braces. They can get stuck between brackets and wires. It’s better to choose softer options like cheese puffs or veggie straws.
Dr. Bar Nguyen says, “You can still enjoy snacks with braces. Just be cautious and eat in moderation, and you are good to go.”
Ending Note
Eating chips with braces is generally not recommended. Therefore, patients often ask, “Can you eat lays chips with braces?” lays chips are crunchy but more on the lighter side, with thin slices. However, you must avoid the crunchier options. Luckily, there is a huge variety of softer snacks, like baked chips or cheese puffs, for you to enjoy.
“The best option is to ask your orthodontist which snacks are okay for you to eat. This way, you can successfully complete your orthodontic treatment. This will save you and your orthodontist a great deal of trouble, and you won’t have to compromise on your favorite snacks.” Says Dr. Bar Nguyen.
