We know that living with braces can seem inconvenient at times, especially if you’ve recently had them fitted. Many people struggle at first to figure out what to eat with incognito braces as a lot of the things they may have eaten in the past are suddenly off the menu.

As Sydney incognito braces specialists, we know that it can seem easier at times to stick to a diet of ice-cream and soup than to risk eating something that might aggravate your gums or damage your braces. But, with a little creativity and know-how, you can still enjoy a healthy, balanced diet that includes many of the foods you love!

If you’re after some inspiration, we’ve pulled together five of our favourite recipes for incognito braces.

Blueberries, Chia Seed and Oatmeal Superfood Breakfast

It’s important to always start your day with a decent breakfast. Oats are filling and have a slow release of energy which will keep you energised right through till lunchtime, while chia seeds are one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re getting your daily dose of fibre, protein and omega-3.

The best thing about chia seeds is that when combined with liquid they become soft and almost jelly-like, perfect for those days when you just can’t face much chewing! To create the perfect breakfast for incognito braces, simply mix your oats with a tablespoon of chia seeds, and top it with some delicious stewed fruits and yoghurt.

TIP: Rinse your mouth well with water after eating as these guys can keep swelling, if wet, and get stuck in your teeth.

Superfood Smoothie

Green smoothies are a fantastic meal or snack for people with incognito braces because you can get a seriously healthy hit of fresh fruit and veggies, without all that crunching! They are also very easy to make. Keep it simple with a few leafy greens and coconut water, or add in fruits, chia seeds or superfood powders. Perfect for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack, smoothies are a great solution for those days when you want something quick and healthy.

You can even make up a large batch in the morning and keep it in the fridge for when hunger strikes, or take it with you for a meal on the way to school or work.

Healthy mac’n’cheese 

When it comes to comfort food, it doesn't get much better than mac’n’cheese. The best thing is that as well as being delicious, this is a great meal for incognito braces because both the pasta and sauce are smooth, soft and easy to eat.

While the classic mac’n’cheese should probably be kept as a once-in-awhile treat, there are a number of ways that you can turn this favourite dish into a healthier version. Using soft creamy vegetables such as cooked pumpkin or butternut squash, you can add some valuable nutrients to your meal while still enjoying the warm comforting pasta and cheese sauce.

Slow-cooker chicken and chickpea curry

Slow cookers are a lifesaver for those struggling with what to eat with incognito braces . Not only are the meals easy to prepare, but the long cooking time ensures that your favourite meats like chicken or beef are tender and soft — perfect for when you need something warm and filling that’s not going to aggravate your gums! Almost all of your favourite meals can be cooked using a slow-cooker. Many ingredients that you might struggle with normally will become much easier to eat!

It’s a fantastic solution for those living with incognito braces who still want to enjoy their hot winter lunches or dinners without the risk of hurting their mouths or damaging their braces.

Simple Chocolate Banana Ice Cream 

We know that some days all you want to do is eat cold, soft ice cream, especially if you’ve just had your braces fitted or tightened.

There are a number of ways that you can make natural, healthier ice-creams at home that don’t contain the amount of sugars and preservatives that store-bought ones do. Using fruits like banana, and sweetening with a little unrefined coconut sugar or raw cacao, homemade ice-cream is a fantastic mouth-soothing snack for incognito braces.

What you eat is very important if you’ve just had your braces fitted or have had them tightened. Your mouth and teeth may feel sore, and you’ll want to eat foods that are soft and don’t cause pain. But even when your mouth isn’t sore, you still need to be careful with the what you eat. Sticky or hard foods can damage your braces, and sugary or starchy foods can cause tooth decay if you have trouble cleaning around your brackets.

If you have any concerns or would like extra advice on what to eat - and what not to eat - with incognito braces, get in touch with the team at Inner West Orthodontics today.