What Can You Eat with Spacers? The Ultimate Food Guide for Orthodontics Patients With Spacers
What Are Spacers?
Orthodontic spacers are tiny rubber or metal rings placed between the back teeth to make room for braces or an appliance like an expander. They're usually worn for about a week—but during that time, your mouth might be sore, and what you eat matters.
Why Your Diet Matters
Spacers can cause tenderness, especially in the first few days. Eating the wrong foods can lead to extra discomfort, or worse, cause a spacer to fall out early. That’s why our Mechanicsville and Glen Allen teams recommend sticking with soft foods and avoiding anything that might interfere with your spacers.
Spacer-Safe Foods We Recommend
Here are some tasty and gentle options to help you stay comfortable while your mouth adjusts:
🥣 Soft Breakfast Ideas:
Scrambled eggs
Pancakes (without crunchy toppings)
Oatmeal or grits
Smoothies
Yogurt with soft fruit
🥪 Lunch & Dinner Favorites:
Macaroni and cheese
Mashed potatoes
Pasta with soft sauces
Cooked rice
Steamed vegetables
Soft-cooked chicken or turkey
Soups with soft ingredients
🍦 Snacks & Treats:
Applesauce
Ice cream or frozen yogurt (without nuts or mix-ins)
Pudding or Jell-O
Bananas
Soft cheeses or cheese cubes
Muffins without nuts
Foods to Avoid with Spacers
To protect your spacers and avoid added soreness, stay away from:
🚫 Crunchy snacks like chips, raw carrots, popcorn
🚫 Sticky or chewy foods like gum, caramel, or taffy
🚫 Hard foods like nuts or crusty bread
🚫 Foods that need a lot of chewing or biting into (like apples or tough meat)
Extra Tips from Dominion Orthodontics
Cut food into small bites to make chewing easier
Chew on the opposite side of where the spacers are, if needed
Brush gently and avoid flossing where spacers are placed
Drink cool water to help ease soreness throughout the day
Wrapping It Up
Spacers are a short but important part of getting started with braces. By sticking to soft, spacer-safe foods and avoiding problem snacks, you’ll feel better and your treatment will stay on track.
Questions about your spacers or upcoming treatment? Our Mechanicsville and Glen Allen orthodontic teams are here for you. Give us a call at Dominion Orthodontics—we’re always happy to help!
