Thanksgiving brings people together around the table for laughter, gratitude, and, of course, unforgettable food. But if you’re in orthodontic treatment, you might wonder how to enjoy your favorite holiday dishes without damaging your braces or aligners.
303 Smiles believes you shouldn’t have to miss out on any of the joy that comes with Thanksgiving dinner. With the right choices, you can savor every bite while protecting your teeth.
Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign aligners, this guide will help you make smart, festive food choices this season, all while keeping your orthodontic health in check.
Good and Bad Food Types for Orthodontic Patients
When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, every meal matters, hard, sticky, or chewy foods can cause wire damage or bracket breaks, while certain textures can make your Invisalign trays harder to clean.
- The Good: Soft, nutrient-rich foods are your best friends. Think mashed potatoes, turkey, roasted veggies, casseroles, stuffing, and baked apples. These dishes are gentle on your teeth, easy to chew, and packed with the warmth of the holiday season.
- The Bad: Crunchy snacks like nuts, hard rolls, chips, and raw carrots can damage brackets or get trapped under wires. Sticky desserts, like pecan pie or caramel, cling to teeth and aligners, creating bacteria buildup that leads to staining or cavities.
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Food Guide for Braces & Invisalign
Braces-Friendly Foods to Love
- Turkey & Ham: Tender and protein-rich, just skip the crunchy skin or bones.
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Soft, smooth, and totally safe for braces.
- Stuffing: Perfect when baked soft, not crunchy.
- Mac & Cheese: Comfort food at its best, creamy, braces-approved goodness.
- Casseroles: Soft and flavorful, from green bean to sweet potato.
- Dinner Rolls: Choose soft rolls or biscuits that don’t require much chewing.
- Pumpkin or Custard Pie: Soft desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth without damage.
Foods to Avoid
- Corn on the Cob: Too hard and can snap a bracket.
- Hard Bread Crusts: Stick with softer rolls.
- Caramel, Toffee, or Nuts: A dangerous trio for braces and aligners alike.
- Crunchy Veggies: Steam or roast instead of eating raw.
- Sticky Desserts: Anything gooey can cling to wires or aligners.
A Few Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
With Invisalign, remove your aligners before the meal and store them safely in a case. Brush and rinse afterward before reinserting to prevent staining and plaque buildup. With braces, keep napkins and water close. Swish water between bites to remove food particles and minimize buildup.
- Use a travel toothbrush if you’re eating away from home.
- Stick to water or milk to avoid staining aligners.
- If your braces feel sore, enjoy warm mashed potatoes or soup.
Myth-Busting: Can You Really Enjoy Thanksgiving with Orthodontics?
Myth 1: “You can’t eat anything good.”
False! You can enjoy nearly every Thanksgiving dish with a little adjustment. Choose soft textures, cut food into small bites, and enjoy your favorites safely.
Myth 2: “Desserts are off-limits.”
Not true. Soft pies, whipped desserts, and even ice cream are perfectly safe when eaten in moderation.
Myth 3: “Invisalign wearers can skip cleaning during the holiday.”
Definitely not. It’s vital to brush before reinserting aligners, especially after sugary foods, to protect both your teeth and trays.
Why Choose 303 Smiles
Led by Dr. Derek Straffon, our award-winning orthodontist with decades of expertise, our practice hastransformed more than 4,000 smiles throughout Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood.
Our philosophy is simple: Your smile should be as great and special as you are. From Invisalign for all ages to advanced braces systems, we tailor every treatment to your lifestyle and comfort.
With flexible scheduling, affordable payment options, and world-class technology, 303 Smiles makes your orthodontic experience smooth and rewarding. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent, our S.M.I.L.E. approach promises care that’s Simple, Mission-driven, Inspired, Loving, and Ethical.
Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful, and we’re thankful for our patients who trust us to make life-changing smiles every day!
Celebrate with Confidence
With guidance from Dr. Straffon and our 303 Smiles team, you can enjoy every bite and every moment without hesitation.
Schedule your free consultation at 303 Smiles in Greenwood Village today and discover how we can help you enjoy every holiday!