General information · Not dental advice
This article is general information written for a wide audience, not advice about your mouth. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.
Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer
Day 1 · typical stage
First 2–3 days
Soft foods while teeth are tender. Cold foods can be soothing.
- WaterUsually OKPlain water is the one thing almost every post-procedure sheet encourages. Room temperature or cool is gentlest.
- Cold waterWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- CoffeeUsually OKLet it cool to lukewarm, or switch to cold brew sipped from a cup.
- Iced coffeeWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- TeaUsually OKLet it cool to lukewarm before drinking.
- Iced teaWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- Hot chocolateUsually OKHot chocolate is smooth and filling, but it is served hot and coats the teeth in sugar.
- MilkUsually OKDrink it cool or at room temperature from a cup.
- Chocolate milkUsually OKSip from a cup and follow with water.
- SodaUsually OKSoda combines three things a healing mouth dislikes: carbonation, acid, and sugar. Many surgeons ask patients to skip it for the first several days.
- Sparkling waterUsually OKStill water is the simpler choice for the first few days.
- Energy drinksUsually OKIf you want the caffeine, lukewarm tea or cooled coffee is gentler.
- JuiceUsually OKDilute it with water, or choose a low-acid juice such as pear or apple.
- Orange juiceUsually OKWait until the area is no longer raw, then dilute it at first.
- LemonadeUsually OKDilute it and drink from a cup once the area has settled.
- SmoothiesWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- MilkshakesWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- Protein shakesUsually OKProtein shakes are a practical way to keep protein up while you cannot chew much.
- Sports drinksUsually OKAlternate with plain water.
- BrothUsually OKLet it cool to lukewarm before sipping.
- AlcoholUsually OKWait until you are off pain medication and any antibiotics, and ask your dentist if you are unsure.
- BeerUsually OKWait until you are off pain medication and any antibiotics.
- WineUsually OKWait until you are off pain medication and any antibiotics; after whitening, wait out the staining window too.
- Ice creamWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- YogurtWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- PuddingUsually OKPudding is about as gentle as food gets: smooth, cool, and swallowed without chewing.
- JelloUsually OKGelatin slides down without chewing and is usually on the first-day list.
- ApplesauceUsually OKApplesauce is smooth and mild, and far less acidic than citrus. It is a common first-day food.
- Mashed potatoesUsually OKMash them smooth and let them cool to lukewarm.
- OatmealWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- GritsWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- Cottage cheeseUsually OKCottage cheese is soft, cool, and high in protein, which makes it a useful early food.
- HummusUsually OKEat it with a spoon or on very soft bread.
- AvocadoUsually OKMash it smooth; skip the toast until chewing is comfortable.
- BananasUsually OKMash it or cut it into small pieces.
- Refried beansUsually OKLet them cool to lukewarm.
- Baby foodUsually OKPureed baby food is not exciting, but it is smooth, room temperature, and comes in ready portions.
- PopsiclesWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- SorbetWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- SoupUsually OKBlend it smooth and let it cool to lukewarm.
- Chicken noodle soupUsually OKLet it cool, and cut the noodles and chicken small.
- Tomato soupUsually OKLet it cool, and consider a cream-based soup while tissue is raw.
- RamenUsually OKLet it cool, cut the noodles short, go easy on the seasoning packet, and do not slurp.
- NoodlesUsually OKCook them soft, cut them short, and eat with a fork rather than slurping.
- PhoUsually OKLet it cool, skip the chili sauce and raw herbs, and cut the noodles and meat small.
- ChiliWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- RiceWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- PastaUsually OKCook it past al dente, use small shapes, and keep the sauce mild and lukewarm.
- SpaghettiUsually OKCut the strands short, cook them soft, and go light on the tomato sauce at first.
- Mac and cheeseUsually OKCook the pasta soft and let it cool to lukewarm.
- BreadNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- ToastNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PancakesUsually OKCut them small and let them cool.
- WafflesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- French toastUsually OKTrim the crusts and cut it small.
- CerealNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BagelsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- TortillasUsually OKWarm it so it stays soft, and keep fillings soft.
- QuinoaWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- CrackersNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Scrambled eggsUsually OKCook them soft and let them cool to lukewarm.
- EggsUsually OKScramble, poach, or soft-boil them.
- ChickenNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Chicken nuggetsNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- FishUsually OKChoose a boneless fillet, baked or steamed rather than fried.
- SalmonUsually OKBake or poach it and check for bones.
- TunaUsually OKMix it with a little mayonnaise so it is moist; skip the crackers.
- ShrimpNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- SteakNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Ground beefWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- MeatNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Pulled porkNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Chewy foods bend wires and load brackets.
- BaconNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Hot dogsNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- MeatballsUsually OKMash them with a fork.
- TofuUsually OKSoft or silken tofu needs almost no chewing and is a useful protein when meat is too much work.
- BeansUsually OKMash them if chewing is uncomfortable.
- Peanut butterNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Sticky foods pull brackets loose and wrap around wires.
- CheeseUsually OKChoose soft cheeses or melt it into something.
- SushiNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PizzaNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BurgersNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- French friesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- SandwichesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- TacosNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BurritosNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- QuesadillasNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Grilled cheeseNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Fried chickenNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Chinese foodNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Indian foodWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- Mexican foodNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Taco BellNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- McDonald'sNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- FruitUsually OKStart with soft, low-acid, seedless fruit.
- ApplesNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- StrawberriesWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- BlueberriesWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- WatermelonUsually OKRemove any seeds and cut it small.
- OrangesUsually OKWait until tissue is no longer raw.
- GrapesUsually OKHalve them and choose seedless.
- PineappleNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- TomatoesWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- SaladNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- VegetablesUsually OKSteam or boil them until a fork goes through easily.
- CarrotsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BroccoliWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- CornNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Sweet potatoesUsually OKMash it smooth and let it cool.
- PotatoesUsually OKScoop out the soft inside and let it cool.
- ChocolateUsually OKChoose plain chocolate and let it melt rather than biting.
- CakeWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- CookiesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- DonutsUsually OKChoose plain or glazed without sprinkles or nuts, and tear off small pieces.
- BrowniesNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Sticky foods pull brackets loose and wrap around wires.
- CandyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Gummy candyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- CaramelNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- GumNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- HoneyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Sticky foods pull brackets loose and wrap around wires.
- ChipsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PopcornNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- NutsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PretzelsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- GranolaNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- SeedsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Hot CheetosNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- IceNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- JerkyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Solid foodNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Spicy foodUsually OKReintroduce mild spice first, once the tissue no longer looks raw.
- Hot foodUsually OKLet food cool to lukewarm.
- Crunchy foodNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- DairyUsually OKFollow your own instruction sheet if it mentions dairy.
134 of 134 shown · Typical guidance · Your dentist's instructions come first · Nothing you enter is saved
If you or your child is wearing any of these, the advice is the same: stop, and see a dentist or orthodontist. Do not try to pry off anything that has been glued to a tooth.
If the reason is cost, or wanting straighter teeth without a long wait, there are real routes to treatment that are covered further down. This is general information, not a diagnosis of any damage that may have occurred.
01
What Fake Braces Are
- Glued-on fashion braces. Brackets, often brightly coloured or shaped, are stuck to the front teeth with a wire threaded through them. They may be applied at a market stall or salon, by a friend, or from a kit bought online.
- Clip-on or press-on sets. A wire or plastic frame hooks around the back teeth and holds a row of brackets against the front teeth.
- Home-made braces. Paper clips, jewellery wire, earring backs, beads, fishing line and household glue are used to imitate the real thing.
- Elastic bands. Small bands sold as "gap bands", or ordinary rubber bands and hair elastics, are placed around teeth to pull them together.
People wear them as a fashion statement or status symbol, as part of a costume, or in the belief that they are a cheap way to straighten teeth. None of them is made, fitted or monitored as a dental appliance.
02
How Real Braces Differ
Before anything is attached, an orthodontist examines the teeth and gums, takes x-rays, and plans where each tooth should move and in what order. The brackets and wires are made from materials intended for long-term use in the mouth. The adhesive is a dental material applied to prepared enamel and later removed with dental instruments. The wires deliver measured, light forces, and the orthodontist checks progress and adjusts them at regular visits.
Even with all of that, real orthodontic treatment carries known risks, such as decay around brackets when cleaning is difficult. Those risks are managed by planning and monitoring. Fake braces copy the appearance and keep the risks, with nobody watching for trouble.
03
The Risks of Fake and Fashion Braces
04
"They Are Only for Looks"
A wire fixed across teeth applies force regardless of why it was put there. Glue affects enamel regardless of the reason. Clip-on sets sold as costume props can scrape the gums, press on the teeth, and come loose and be swallowed or inhaled. They are not made or tested as dental devices, and children are at particular risk from small parts.
There is no version of fake braces that a dentist or orthodontist would fit, and no way of wearing them that removes these risks. The cautious course is not to put them in your mouth.
05
Signs That Damage May Have Occurred
- Gums that are sore, swollen, bleeding, or pulling back from a tooth
- A tooth that feels loose, has moved, or looks longer than before
- Pain when biting, or a bite that feels different
- A cut or ulcer that is not healing
- A bad taste, pus, or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- White, chalky or brown marks on the teeth where something was attached
- A piece of the set, or an elastic band, that has gone missing
These signs do not tell you what is wrong. They are reasons to be examined, and an x-ray may be needed to see the bone and roots.
06
What to Do If Someone Already Wears Them
If the set is removable, such as a clip-on frame that lifts out easily, take it out and do not wear it again. Then book a dental check, particularly if it was worn for more than a short time or any of the signs above are present.
If anything is glued to the teeth, do not pull, pry, twist or scrape it off, and do not cut the wire with pliers or use solvents. Forcing a glued bracket off can break enamel, and cutting a wire can leave sharp ends or loose parts. Book a visit with a dentist or orthodontist as soon as you can and explain what is on the teeth. They have the instruments to remove it and can check the teeth and gums afterward. If a wire end is rubbing in the meantime, orthodontic wax pressed over it can protect the cheek until you are seen.
If elastic bands were used, stop using them. If a band is missing and may have gone under the gum, do not dig for it with tools or fingernails. See a dentist or orthodontist promptly and tell them exactly what was used and for how long.
Bring the details. Take the packaging or a photo of the product if you have it, and say when it was put on and what glue was used. A dentist's interest is in fixing the problem, not in blame.
For parents: a calm conversation works better than alarm. Ask what was used and why. If the reason is wanting straighter teeth or wanting to fit in, an orthodontic consultation can address that directly.
07
Real Braces: Costs, Lower-Cost Routes and Daily Life
- Typical fees. A full course of metal braces in the US is often quoted at roughly $3,000 to $7,000, varying widely by region, provider and case. Our guide to metal braces explains what is involved.
- Payment plans. Many orthodontic offices spread the fee over the length of treatment.
- Insurance. Where a plan includes orthodontic benefits, there is usually a separate lifetime maximum, commonly $1,000 to $3,000. Check your own plan documents.
- Public programs. Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children, and braces only when they are medically necessary by the state's criteria. Rules vary by state and change over time, so confirm with the program.
- Dental school clinics. Treatment is provided by supervised trainees, often at reduced fees.
Our guide on how to afford braces goes through these in more detail, and the braces cost calculator shows a typical range and an estimated monthly payment.
If you do go ahead with real braces, the orthodontist will explain how to look after them, including which foods to avoid so brackets and wires are not damaged. The braces food checker lets you search any food to see how it is usually handled with braces.
08
When to Get Urgent or Emergency Help
- A tooth is loose or has moved
- The gums are swollen or there is pus
- A wire is stuck in the gum or cheek
- An elastic band has disappeared under the gum
- A sharp part may have been swallowed, in which case also contact a doctor or urgent care for advice
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for coughing, choking, wheezing or trouble breathing after a part went missing, trouble swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop.
Key Takeaways
- They can move teeth unpredictably and damage roots, gums and bone
- Wires, brackets and glue cause cuts, enamel damage and infection
- Elastic bands can slide under the gum and lead to tooth loss
- Loose parts can be swallowed or inhaled
- Anything glued on should be removed by a dentist, not pulled off at home
If you or your child has worn fake braces, home-made braces or bands on the teeth, stop and book a visit with a dentist or orthodontist. They can remove what is there, check for damage, and talk through real options for straightening teeth if that is what you want.
Table 1 — Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fake braces safe to wear?
No. Fake and fashion braces can move teeth in unplanned ways, cut the gums and cheeks, trap plaque, cause infection, and come loose and be swallowed or inhaled. Glue can damage enamel. They are not made or fitted as dental appliances. If you are wearing them, stop and see a dentist or orthodontist.
Can fake braces straighten your teeth?
They can move teeth, but not in a controlled way. Without an exam, x-rays and a plan, teeth may tip, twist or loosen, and the bite can change for the worse. Roots and bone can be harmed. Straightening teeth requires treatment planned and monitored by an orthodontist or dentist who has examined you.
How do I get fake braces off my teeth?
If they are glued on, do not pull, pry or cut them off yourself, since that can break enamel or leave sharp wire ends. Book a visit with a dentist or orthodontist, who can remove them with dental instruments and check your teeth and gums. A removable clip-on set should be taken out and not worn again.
Can fake braces cause permanent damage?
They can. Enamel that is pulled off or decays does not grow back, and bone lost around a tooth generally does not return. Teeth that have shifted may need orthodontic treatment to correct. The extent varies from person to person, and a dentist can assess it with an exam and x-rays.
What should I do if my child is wearing fake braces?
Stay calm and ask what was used, how it was attached and for how long. Have them stop wearing it. Do not force off anything glued to the teeth. Book a visit with a dentist or orthodontist to remove it and check for damage, and seek emergency care for any trouble breathing after a part went missing.
Are clip-on costume braces any safer than glued ones?
They avoid glue on the enamel, but they still press on the teeth and gums, can scrape soft tissue, and have small parts that can come loose and be swallowed or inhaled. They are not made or tested as dental devices. Dentists and orthodontists do not fit them, and the cautious course is not to wear them.
Medical disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.
