Foods to Avoid

For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

Gum (sugar-free or regular)
Licorice
Sugar Daddies
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starburst

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

Ice
Nuts
Hard taco shells
French bread crust/rolls
Corn on the cob
Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
Bagels
Chips
Jolly Ranchers
Pizza crust
Uncooked carrots (unless cut)

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy

Only Once a Day:

Soda
Sweetened tea
Gatorade
Kool-Aid
Drinks with sugar

It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.

What Our Patients Say

Orthodontic Specialists of Madison

202 S Gammon Rd Ste. 150, Madison

4.3 55 reviews

Julianne Lind ★★★★★ a year ago
Loved my experience here. Everything was fast and easy. Check out Dr Knutson - he’s super knowledgeable.
Daniel De Leon ★★★★★ a year ago
It was in 2018 when I got braces ay this clinic and after 2 years I can tell you I have the best smile ever my front teeth were totally misplaced 😬 but Dr.KNUTSON DID A GREAT JOB I hace a clear retainer that I still wear at nights and a wire retainer in the bottom part and everytime I need assistance … More I call and they help you right away they're very professional, friendly and helpful I highly recommend this clinic is the best Orthodontist place in Madison 👌😌
Graham Lukey ★★★★★ a year ago
Dr. Knutson provided excellent care for my eldest son, and his teeth have aligned beautifully. The staff have always been very friendly and helpful. We highly recommend this business for their excellent services.
alex krasula ★★★★★ a year ago
I'm very happy with the excellent care I received from Dr. Bird and his team. I had aligners for about 10 months, and the results are terrific! The process went very smoothly and I had great communication from them every step of the way. Five stars! ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Samantha Ward ★★★★★ a year ago
Dr. Knutson has been amazing for my daughter Ortho care. She was always self conscious regarding her teeth and with the work of Dr. Knutson he transform her to a new person! She loves her teeth and smiles more than ever. Thank you!
Nancy Booth ★★★★★ a year ago
Dr Knutson has always encouraged my journey with braces as an older adult. In returning to get my retainer refitted after 5 years of wear, he complemented me on the status of my teeth. I am very happy with how healthy my teeth are now, compared to before braces. You are never too old to get braces! … More Thank you Dr K!
Kristen Summers ★★★★★ a year ago
The staff here was amazing. I had an orthodontic emergency and they were so helpful, kind, and accommodating. Special thanks to Dr. McDermott and her team for fitting me in on such short notice. I had excellent service when I got braces here 20 years ago... And I got great service today with my permanent … More retainer. I recommend them for any orthodontic work you need!
Alex Krasula ★★★★★ a year ago
I'm very happy with the excellent care I received from Dr. Bird and his team. I had aligners for about 10 months, and the results are terrific! The process went very smoothly and I had great communication from them every step of the way. Five stars! ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Darcy Luoma ★★★★★ 11 months ago
Orthodontic Specialists of Madison has been fantastic to work with. They are professional, responsive, and friendly. I highly recommend them!
Phil H. ★★★★★ a year ago
Had full course of adult treatment with Dr. K, Fall 2020 - Spring 2023. Originally referred by my general dentist due to the result of an accident leaving me unable to close my jaw correctly. Overall, the entire process, from initial intake and imaging, through financial options, placing the braces on, … More treatment, removal, and now the retainer, has been overwhelmingly pleasant and positive. Appreciated the up-front pricing without any surprise charges later. Supportive staff seems genuinely eager to care. Very well-coordinated treatment plan with oral surgeon regarding a dental implant needed while the braces were on. Would strongly recommend if anyone ever asks me to recommend an orthodontist.