At the end of orthodontic treatment, you’ll have a stellar grin and improved oral health. However, to reach that point and ensure you get amazing results, you’ll want to give your smile and your hardware (or clear aligners) the TLC they deserve. Life with braces won’t require too much extra effort but there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind so your appliances stay in excellent shape and you’re comfortable. To point you in the right direction, the team here at Hawley Orthodontics has compiled 20 helpful Invisalign and braces tips and tricks.
Can you eat chips with braces? Can you eat lollipops with Invisalign? Can you drink coffee with clear braces? These are some of the common questions we hear from our Papillion Invisalign and braces patients about eating and drinking during treatment. Hey, between all of the amazing Omaha-area restaurants and grilling season being in full effect, we get it! You want exceptional braces or Invisalign results without having to give up your favorite foods. The team at Hawley Orthodontics is making things easier for you by covering all of your food and beverage-related braces and Invisalign questions.
Table of Contents
Can you eat chips with braces?
You can eat chips with braces depending on the type. Since really hard foods can break your appliance, avoid chips that are, well, really hard like Doritos and corn chips during your treatment. Chips that are easy to chew, such as certain baked chips or alternatives like cheese puffs, are okay to eat with braces. Eat one chip at a time and, if possible, go with smaller pieces of chips instead of large ones, so you don’t accidentally break a braces bracket or damage a wire.
There is one thing to note: since chips are starchy and the bacteria in the mouth feed on starches and sugars, which can result in cavities, enjoy chips in moderation. Getting cavities during your braces treatment could make your treatment last longer and, in extreme cases, you may need to have your braces removed to have the cavities treated. Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after indulging!
Can you drink coffee with clear braces?
Yes! You can drink coffee with clear braces. The clear braces we use at Hawley Orthodontics are durable and stain resistant. While the clear elastics often used with traditional clear braces can become discolored from beverages like coffee, our braces are self-ligating braces that don’t require elastics or ties, so you won’t need to worry about that.
Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
You can drink coffee with Invisalign as long as you take your aligners out first. Hot beverages, including coffee, can warp the thermoplastic material the aligners are made from, which could affect the fit of your aligners and, ultimately, your Invisalign results. Drinking coffee with Invisalign aligners in your mouth will also cause the aligners to become discolored.
Can you eat ice cream with braces?
Oh yeah! While we do recommend cutting back on sugary treats to prevent cavities during your treatment, you can eat ice cream with braces in moderation. In fact, it’s preferable to many other desserts, because it rinses off the teeth easily and won’t get trapped in your hardware. Ice cream is an excellent option for when you first get braces put on. It’s super soft and cold enough to numb your mouth a bit.
Can you chew gum with braces?
No. Unfortunately, you can’t chew gum with braces. At Hawley Orthodontics, we use self-ligating braces, which have a door that opens and closes to put the wire in. The sticky gum can open the doors on the brackets. Believe us, your fantastic new smile will be worth temporarily giving up gum!
Can you chew gum with Invisalign?
While you can chew gum with Invisalign, take your aligners out first and opt for sugarless gum. Sugar-filled gum can cause cavities and no one wants cavities when they’ve invested in getting straight teeth and a healthy smile! While sugarless gum isn’t as sticky as regular gum, it still tends to stick to aligners. Plus, you’re also exposing your aligners to constant chewing forces as you enjoy your gum. This could potentially interfere with the fit of your aligners or damage them.
Can you eat lollipops with Invisalign?
You can eat lollipops with Invisalign as long as you remove your aligners first. Since lollipops are sticky and full of sugar, they can cause a mess and/or lead to cavities if you eat them with your aligners in.
Can you eat peanut butter with braces?
Absolutely! Peanut butter is an excellent choice when it comes to soft foods to eat with braces. It has protein, fat, important nutrients and doesn’t require a lot of chewing, making it ideal for when your teeth are feeling tender after first getting your braces put on and following adjustments. Brush your teeth after eating the peanut butter to remove it from your brackets and wires.
Can you drink water with Invisalign?
Yup! You can drink plain water with Invisalign. If the water isn’t hot, you don’t need to remove your aligners first.
What can you eat with Invisalign?
Since the clear aligners are removable, there are zero Invisalign food restrictions. You can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. The caveat? Take your Invisalign aligners out before eating or drinking anything aside from plain water.
The aligners fit snug against your teeth and saliva isn’t able to flow freely beneath them to wash away any lingering debris or residue from your food or drinks. This means eating or drinking with Invisalign aligners in will allow the food or beverage to sit against your teeth for a longer period of time, increasing your risk of tooth decay and the staining of your teeth and/or Invisalign aligners.
On that note, you’ll also want to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating and drinking. This will ensure your teeth are clean and your aligners aren’t trapping anything beneath them.
Can you eat chocolate with braces?
Yes, you can eat chocolate with braces. Since things like nuts and caramel are among the foods you can’t eat with braces, go with plain chocolate like a Hershey’s bar or Hershey’s Kisses. Anything without hard bits that will melt in your mouth is okay. For more information on the candy you can eat with braces and the candy to avoid during treatment, check out our “Guide to Halloween Candy and Braces.”
Can you eat popcorn with braces?
It may seem like you can eat popcorn with braces without a problem, however, unpopped kernels can damage your brackets and wires. Additionally, popcorn is notorious for getting caught in braces and around the gumline, leading to inflammation. That’s why we usually tell patients to avoid popcor
Can you eat pizza with braces?
Breathe a sigh of relief, because, yes, you can eat pizza with braces. However, pizza crust, especially if it’s really chewy or hard, can damage your appliance, so stay away from it. If the crust is nice and soft, cut or break it into small pieces to eat.
What are the best soft foods for braces when your teeth are sensitive?
As for what to eat with braces the first week or following adjustments when your teeth are feeling a little sore, go with soft foods, as well as cold foods and drinks. Some of the best soft foods for braces include soup, yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, Jell-O, applesauce, scrambled eggs, peanut butter, mashed potatoes, popsicles and fudgesicles, ice water, ripe bananas, macaroni and cheese and protein shakes. Pro tip: Stock up on braces-friendly foods before you get your braces put on so you have plenty to eat from the get-go. Once you feel ready to tackle your normal diet again, you can still eat most of the foods you love with a few exceptions.
Again, while there are no Invisalign food restrictions, your teeth can be sensitive when you start your Invisalign treatment and, sometimes, after putting in a new set of aligners. Choosing soft foods that require minimal chewing will be helpful as you adjust.
What foods can’t you eat with braces?
Foods to avoid with braces include anything really hard, chewy or sticky that can damage your appliance. Skittles, hard candy, caramel, taffy, toffee, hard taco shells, whole, raw apples and carrots, hard pizza crust, hard rolls, Starburst and nuts are some examples of these types of foods.
Are there special techniques to use when eating with braces?
How to eat with braces is just as important as what to eat with braces. Break or cut food into small, bite-sized pieces and chew with your back teeth. Never tear at food with your front teeth. Take corn off the cob, take meat off the bone and cut things like raw apples into small, thin slices before eating them.
Now that you’re an expert on eating and drinking with Invisalign and braces, are you ready to kick-off treatment? Whether you want to get started or you’d just like to learn more about your teeth-straightening options, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Papillion orthodontist, Dr. Hawley, today!
It’s that time of year again. The sun’s shining, school is out and the kids have a long stretch of summer days ahead of them. As a Papillion, NE orthodontist and dad, Dr. Hawley knows how exciting and tiring it can be to keep the kids entertained all summer. As always, the Hawley Orthodontics team is here to help with our annual round-up of fun, affordable and free activities for kids in Omaha to enjoy in summer 2021:
Papillon Days is back for 2021 and will run from Thursday, June 17 through Sunday, June 20. Not only is this one of our personal favorite Papillion kids’ activities with days of fun events, it was also recently named one of “America’s Top 10 Small Festivals” by Reader’s Digest!
The theme for the 74th year of the family-friendly celebration is “Honoring Our Journey, Celebration Our Wings.” There will be a carnival, parade, Market in the Park, live entertainment, fireworks, helicopter rides and more! Check out the schedule here.
2) Farmers Markets
There are so many amazing farmers’ markets in Omaha and the surrounding area. Round up the kids and enjoy some fresh air while you stock up on local produce and treats. Some markets even offer online ordering for pick-up. Be sure to check out each market’s COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions before attending. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Papillon Farmers Market – The 2021 Papillion Farmers Market will be held on Wednesdays through September 29 from 5 to 8pm at City Park (Lincoln Street and Washington Street, Papillon, NE). As an added bonus, the Papillion Public Library will be on hand at the market offering a weekly craft for kids!
Bellevue Farmers Market – The Bellevue Farmers Market is held rain or shine on Saturdays through September 25 from 8am to noon at Washington Park (20th Street and Franklin Street, Bellevue, NE).
Omaha Farmers Market – The Omaha Farmers Market offers the Saturday Market on Saturdays through October 9 from 8am to 12:30pm in the Old Market (1011 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE), the Sunday Aksarben Market on Sundays through October 10 from 9am to 1pm in Parking Lot 26 at Baxter Arena (2425 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE) and the Night Market at Midtown Crossing in Turner Park (31st Avenue and Farnam Street, Omaha, NE), which is open from 6 to 10pm on Fridays, July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27 and September 10.
3) Free Outdoor Movies
Another of our beloved, free Omaha kids’ activities for summer are outdoor movies. There’s something special about watching a movie under the stars. While the Starlight Movie Series at SumTur Amphitheater in Papillion is yet to be announced for 2021, here are two series that are launching soon:
Monday Night Movies at Midtown Crossing – This free Omaha outdoor movie series takes place in Turner Park at Midtown Crossing (3110 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE), giving families plenty of room to spread out and socially distance. The kid-friendly, dog-friendly events will be held on Mondays, June 7 (Mean Girls – PG-13), June 14 (Guardians of the Galaxy – PG-13), June 21 (Raya and the Last Dragon – PG), and June 28 (Jumanji – PG) with the park opening for seating at 5pm and movies starting at dusk. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Concessions will be available for purchase on-site.
Free Friday Movie Nights at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard – On Fridays from June 11 through August 27, family-friendly movies will play at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard (19475 225th Street, Council Bluffs, IA). The films start at dusk and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Stay tuned for the schedule and details on Ditmars’ Facebook page. Up first on June 11 will be Grease.
Gretna Days 2021 will be held from July 29 through August 1 with all sorts of fun activities for kids, teens and adults in Gretna, NE. Events will include the Gretna Days Carnival, a free fireworks show on July 30, a craft show, a car show, a community picnic, inner tube races, and more! See the full schedule of events here.
The Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch (11001 South 48th Street, Papillon, NE) is a go-to for fun things to do with kids in Omaha. Pick your own fruits and veggies (strawberry season is slated to start in early June, sweet corn season should kick-off around July 4 and red raspberry season will run until the first frost in fall) or send the kids off to the Kids Play areas where admission is just $3. The farm also hosts a number of events, including the Omaha Potter Faire on June 5 and 6 and the Midwest Pirate Fest on August 28 and 29.
6) Omaha Area Spraygrounds and Splash Pads
Cool off in one of Omaha’s spraygrounds or splash pads. The spraygrounds in Omaha are open through Labor Day from 9am to 8pm daily. The Papillion splash pads are also open through Labor Day, however, see below for each location’s hours:
Benson Park Sprayground -7002 Military Ave., Omaha, NE
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Sprayground – 705 Riverfront Dr., Omaha, NE
Fontenelle Sprayground – 4405 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, NE
Kountze Sprayground – 1920 Pinkney St., Omaha, NE
Levi Carter Park Sprayground – 809 Carter Lake Shore Dr., Omaha, NE
Miller Sprayground – 2707 Redick Ave., Omaha, NE
Morton Park Sprayground – 5724 S. 41st St., Omaha, NE
Orchard Park Sprayground – 6502 Hartman Ave., Omaha, NE
Upland Sprayground – 3104 Jefferson St., Omaha, NE
Seymour Smith Park All Play Park – 6802 Harrison St., Omaha, NE
Westwood Heights Sprayground – 12334 Seldin Dr., Omaha, NE
Eagle Ridge Splash Pad – Two Blocks East of 66th Street and Ashwood Ave, Papillon, NE (open 10am to 7pm)
Schwer Park Splash Pad – 800 West Centennial Rd, Papillon, NE (open noon to 7pm)
First Street Plaza Splash Pad – First and Washington St., Papillion, NE (open 9am to 10pm)
7) Free Outdoor Storytime
Looking for a socially-distanced, outdoor storytime in the Omaha area? The local public libraries have you covered. Sump Memorial Library (222 N. Jefferson Street, Papillon, NE) offers a free family storytime for tots ages birth through 5 and their caregivers. The events are held on the library’s lawn, weather permitting, on Wednesdays in June and July from 10 to 10:30am.
The Bellevue Public Library will also host interactive, free, outdoor storytimes in Washington Park (20th and Franklin Streets in Olde Towne Bellevue) on Tuesdays and Thursdays through June 29 from 10 to 11am. Registration is required. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be held on Zoom.
Bridge Beats has always been one of the most popular things to do with kids in Omaha during the summer. Unfortunately, the event won’t be held in 2021 because of construction on the riverfront. The good news is, Omaha Parks & Recreation will be putting on a new free concert series called Live on the Lake.
The family-friendly events will take place at Zorinsky Lake (156th and F Streets, Omaha, NE) on Fridays, July 9-30 from 6 to 9pm. Live on the Lake will feature live local Omaha bands, food trucks and giveaways. The line-up includes:
July 9 – Lemon Fresh Day
July 16 – High Heel
July 23 – Stan and the Chain Gang
July 30 – Taxi Driver
9) Family Adventure Days at Fontenelle Forest
Fontenelle Forest will be hosting a variety of Family Adventure Days in summer 2021. Engage in a fun activity and then take a guided hike led by a naturalist. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks will be required when attendees can’t keep a 6-foot distance. Registration is limited, so sign-up early! The cost is $10 for members ages 8-12; $20 for members ages 13 and up; $15 for non-members ages 8-12; and $25 for non-members ages 13 and up.
Can’t make one of the Family Adventure Days? There are plenty of other fun, outdoor activities for kids all summer. Check out the schedule for details. Additionally, in partnership with the 2021 Blue Star Museum Program, Fontenelle Forest is offering all active military and up to five family members free daily admission to the forest through September 6!
10) Relax at an Omaha Beach
And last, but not least, for our summer 2021 activities for kids in Omaha is spending the day at one of the local beaches. There are lakes and rivers a short drive away, including the Hawley family’s favorite, Louisville Lake. Oh My! Omaha has a comprehensive list of some other family-friendly, sandy beaches near Omaha.
There you have it, 10 ideas for affordable and fun activities to do with kids in Omaha for summer 2021. If you’d like to add getting a healthy, beautiful smile to the list, schedule a complimentary consultation at Hawley Orthodontics for your child or yourself!
You probably know that orthodontic treatment can straighten your teeth and create an ideal bite. But how can Invisalign and braces change your face shape too? The answer is they can, though whether or not they do, and to what extent, will depend on the type of malocclusion (improper bite) you have and the severity of the issue.
When our Omaha orthodontist Dr. Hawley creates a treatment plan for you, he bases it on your unique facial features and profile, while also keeping in mind how your face will change as you get older. This ensures you get your best smile. Read More
We regularly post guides of things to do with kids in Omaha and Papillion throughout the year. While this summer will look different from last year, that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the warm weather and family time. To help, the team at Hawley Orthodontics is sharing some super fun summer activities for kids in Omaha this season all with social distancing in mind.Read More
Tired of hiding your smile on Zoom calls? Worried your child’s teeth are coming in crooked? Or just have some questions about orthodontic treatment in general like: How long do braces take? How does Invisalign work? At Hawley Orthodontics, we have you covered. We offer free, no-pressure orthodontic consultations at our Papillion, NE practice. This first orthodontic visit is meant to give you a chance to tour our office, meet Dr. Hawley and our team, learn more about your treatment options and have all of your questions answered. Our ultimate goal is for you to feel informed, confident and excited about beginning your or your child’s smile journey. Read More
When should kids visit an orthodontist for the first time? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. We know, we know, that seems super young, but seven isn’t just a random number that was picked out of a hat. There are several reasons behind the recommendation, including the fact that we can see certain emerging orthodontic problems in their earliest stages. So, what is our Papillion orthodontist watching out for when he examines your kiddo? Read on to find out! In this post, we’ll be covering the common red flags, as well as the basics of early orthodontics in general. Read More
We love sharing our favorite local businesses every holiday season, and although the HawleyDays are over, we wanted to continue to share our local businesses with you. Here are just a few of the great locally owned businesses… Read More
As part of our mission to “Smile. Be Kind. Do Good,” we love to share Omaha volunteer opportunities for families throughout the year. Yes, giving back may look a little different in 2020 but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways we can all try to make our community a better place while spreading some holiday cheer. With giving season in full swing, the team at Hawley Orthodontics has put together another annual installment of the best ways to give back in the Omaha area this holiday season. Read More
It’s hard to believe the holidays are nearly here. We know, regardless of what you celebrate, a big part of the festivities will involve food. If you’re one of our Omaha braces patients, you might be wondering, “What can I eat with braces this holiday season?” Well, have no fear, because while, yes, you will have to make a few adjustments, there are plenty of braces-friendly holiday foods you can eat with abandon. In fact, we’re sharing 50 delicious options!Read More
We’re celebrating Halloween 2020 style this year! Dr. Nathan Hawley knows firsthand how exciting Halloween is for families and how important it is to celebrate the creativity and inspiration that comes with it. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite ideas for marking the occasion with fun ways to celebrate Halloween this year. Check our top 10 fun ways to celebrate Halloween in Omaha as a family safely – outside and at home! Read More
Dr. Hawley is dedicated to providing his Omaha area patients with personalized, high-quality care in a fun atmosphere. He relies on advanced technology, his extensive training and knowledge and an amazing team to achieve fantastic results. Find out more about Dr. Hawley
I started my braces journey with Dr. Herd at Exclusively Orthodontics, but after a year he suddenly retired and I got transferred to Dr. Hawley at Hawley Orthodontics. Hawley and all staff are great, everyone is really nice and polite. As far as braces care goes, I did not have any problems.
Funny story; when I was at Dr. Herd's office before, and when I was on the chair with an orthodontist, I told her of my plans to study abroad. She immediately started panicking, saying there is no way that braces could be done before the departure. She told the other orthodontists in the office, they all started panicking too, like a bunch of hens in a Disney movie! After I got transferred to Dr. Hawley and I told him about my study abroad plans, he just shrugged it off and said that is no problem, haha! And that is basically how my year and a half with care under Dr. Hawley went.
As I am writing this, I have been free of braces for a week and just completed my last appointment for awhile. Now I just have to get used to the bulky retainers :/ .
We love the staff at Hawley Orthodontics! They are so friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. They have made the experience getting braces for my daughter comfortable and painless. I wouldn’t take my children to any other orthodontist.
I wish I could show a picture of the before and after! They did GREAT work! Flexible scheduling for working adults, awesome rewards program for maintaining appointments and meeting goals, they work WITH you to make a plan for what your orthodontic goals are, and the staff are just AMAZING! Braces came off today and I’m definitely going to miss them! Great company!
Seriously the best orthodontist around! Dr. Hawley genuinely cares about his patients and want to make sure your always satisfied. If you have been searching for an orthodontist you can stop because Hawley orthodontics is the best.
One of THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE... Dr. Hawley's office is everything...! So friendly, very professional, and I love all the connection they have with their patients in social media . Before going to other orthodontics in town, PLEASE COME HERE FIRST!!!!
I love going to Hawley Orthodontics because they always take time to make sure I'm not in pain. Dr. Hawley and all the staff really care about their patients.
I love the entire staff at Hawley Orthodontics. They make the patients feel so welcomed with their courteous approach. I would recommend this office to anyone, they work so well with the patients and with you.
