Wertz Ortho's Guide To A Braces-Friendly Thanksgiving Feast

What to Eat (and Avoid) for a Delicious, Worry-Free Holiday

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meet Our Doctor

Why Thanksgiving Is Braces Friendly

What Braces Wearers Can Eat on Thanksgiving

Foods to Avoid During Your Holiday Meal

Fall-Inspired Soft Dishes to Try

Thanksgiving Tips for Invisalign and Clear Aligner Patients

How to Keep Your Smile Clean Over the Holidays

Hosting Thanksgiving with Orthodontic Patients

Why Choose Wertz Orthodontics

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Thanksgiving is one of the most comforting holidays of the year. Family gatherings, warm meals, and a whole lot of gratitude make it special. At Wertz Orthodontics, we want you to enjoy every bite of your holiday without worrying about your braces or aligners. Whether you are visiting family in Lebanon, Robesonia, or Hershey, or hosting at home, you deserve a Thanksgiving that is delicious and completely safe for your smile.

With Dr. Robert Wertz leading our practice and more than 45 years of experience in creating beautiful smiles, our team understands what it takes to keep your orthodontic treatment moving forward, even during big food-centered holidays. The good news is that Thanksgiving is naturally braces-friendly. Most dishes are soft, slow-cooked, and gentle on brackets and wires.

In this guide, we will walk you through the best foods to enjoy, the ones to avoid, and how to take great care of your smile throughout the long weekend. Let us help you celebrate confidently with a smile you can trust.

Meet Our Doctor

Dr. Robert Wertz

Dr. Wertz has been transforming smiles across Pennsylvania for more than four decades. His extensive experience and commitment to comfort-focused, high-quality orthodontics have made him one of the most trusted orthodontists in the region. From braces to Invisalign, he uses proven, modern techniques to help patients of every age enjoy a smoother, easier orthodontic journey.

At Wertz Orthodontics, our goal is simple. We want every patient to feel confident, cared for, and supported in every phase of treatment, including holiday seasons filled with special meals and family gatherings.

Why Thanksgiving Is Braces Friendly

Many patients are surprised to learn that Thanksgiving is actually one of the easiest holidays to navigate with braces. Unlike summer barbecues with corn on the cob, crunchy chips, and ribs, Thanksgiving meals are packed with soft, warm, tender dishes that are naturally gentle on orthodontic appliances.

Here is why the holiday works in your favor:

• Most Thanksgiving sides are baked, simmered, or mashed
• Turkey is soft when sliced properly
• Cakes and pies are typically soft desserts
• Cooked vegetables are easier to chew
• Holiday meals encourage slower, mindful eating

In other words, you can still enjoy your favorite flavors without stressing about broken brackets or poking wires.

What Braces Wearers Can Eat on Thanksgiving

Let us start with the good news. You can enjoy a wide range of Thanksgiving foods without risking your braces.

Here are the top orthodontist-approved dishes that are not only safe but also delicious:

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Soft, creamy, and the perfect holiday comfort food. No cutting. No chewing challenges. Just smooth perfection.

Turkey (sliced into small bites)

Turkey is braces friendly as long as it is tender and cut off the bone. Stick with light or dark meat that is moist and easy to chew.

Stuffing or Dressing

Soft-baked stuffing is ideal. Choose servings without crunchy edges or toasted cubes.

Macaroni and Cheese

A braces safe classic. Warm, soft pasta is gentle on your teeth and easy to enjoy.

Green Bean Casserole

Cooked green beans, cream, and soft toppings make this a holiday favorite that pairs perfectly with braces.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are soft on their own, so this dish is a win. Skip crunchy pecans on top.

Dinner Rolls and Soft Bread

Avoid crusty baguettes and choose soft rolls instead. They are easier on both teeth and brackets.

Pumpkin Pie or Custard Desserts

Soft, creamy desserts are perfectly safe. Just remember to brush after sweet treats.

Cranberry Sauce

Both the smooth canned version and soft homemade versions are great options.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, ask yourself if you could mash the food with a fork. If the answer is yes, it is probably braces-friendly.

Foods to Avoid During Your Holiday Meal

Even during Thanksgiving, there are a few foods that can damage your braces or trap food in hard-to-clean areas. A small amount of caution now can save you from delayed treatment or discomfort later.

Here are the top foods to avoid:

Hard or Crunchy Nuts

Pecan pie with whole pecans is risky. Nuts can snap brackets and bend wires.

Corn on the Cob

Corn off the cob is fine, but biting into the cob puts pressure on your appliance.

Crunchy Stuffing Edges

Avoid toasted stuffing or anything overly crisp.

Raw Carrots and Crunchy Veggies

Stick to cooked vegetables. Raw veggies can be too hard to chew safely.

Hard Rolls or Crusty Bread

Thick crusts can cause discomfort while chewing.

Caramel and Sticky Desserts

Caramel apples, sticky toffee, and certain pies can pull on brackets or stick to wires.

Turkey Legs and Bone-In Pieces

Do not bite directly into a bone. Always cut your meat into small pieces.

Granola Toppings

Some casseroles contain crunchy toppings that should be avoided.

Safe Choice Reminder: Soft, baked, slow-cooked, or mashed foods will always be your best options during Thanksgiving.

Fall-Inspired Soft Dishes to Try

If you want to elevate your Thanksgiving meal or add variety to your soft-food choices, here are seasonal, braces-approved dishes our team loves.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Velvety, warm, and full of fall flavor. This dish is perfect if your teeth feel a little tender.

Loaded Potato Soup

Comforting and rich with soft potatoes that melt in your mouth.

Pumpkin Soup with Herbs

A smooth and cozy seasonal favorite.

Soft Baked Apples with Cinnamon

A dessert-like treat that smells incredible and is easy to chew.

Savory Bread Pudding

Soft, rich, and perfect for a holiday table.

Roasted Root Vegetables

When cooked until tender, carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips are flavorful and braces-friendly.

These dishes give you all the fall flavors without the crunchy textures that can cause trouble.

Thanksgiving Tips for Invisalign and Clear Aligner Patients

If you are wearing Invisalign or another type of clear aligner, Thanksgiving is easy to navigate as long as you stay consistent with your wear time and remember a few simple rules.

Always Remove Aligners Before Eating

Chewing with aligners can crack the plastic or distort the trays.

Bring Your Case with You

Never place aligners in a napkin at the dinner table. That is the fastest way to throw them away accidentally.

Rinse Before Putting Them Back In

After enjoying your meal, rinse your mouth with water or brush if possible before wearing your aligners again.

Stick to Your Wear Schedule

Even during the holiday, try to maintain 20 to 22 hours of wear per day.

Avoid Hot Drinks While Wearing Aligners

Heat can cause aligners to warp and lose their fit.

Plan Ahead If Changing Trays

Some patients prefer to switch to a new set of aligners a few days before the holiday, so their teeth feel less tender on Thanksgiving Day.

Aligners give you flexibility and freedom, so with just a little planning, you can enjoy your meal without disrupting your treatment.

How to Keep Your Smile Clean Over the Holidays

Thanksgiving weekend often means grazing, snacking, and leftovers. With more frequent eating, there are more opportunities for food to hide around brackets and wires. Keeping your smile clean is especially important during this time.

Here are our top hygiene tips:

Brush After Every Big Meal

Bring a travel toothbrush if you are away from home.

Use an Interdental Brush

These small brushes reach around brackets in ways a normal toothbrush cannot.

Floss Each Night

Floss threaders or long-handled flossers make the job easier.

Rinse Often

Water helps wash away sugars and food particles.

Clean Aligners Gently

Never use toothpaste on clear trays. Use clear liquid soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals instead.

Avoid Excessive Snacking

Frequent eating can increase plaque buildup and lead to irritation.

A clean smile is a comfortable smile, especially after big holiday meals.

Hosting Thanksgiving with Orthodontic Patients

If someone in your family has braces, you can make the holiday more enjoyable with a few simple adjustments:

• Offer soft rolls instead of crusty bread
• Keep nuts separate from casseroles
• Have forks and knives ready for cutting turkey into small bites
• Provide soft desserts like pumpkin pie or pudding
• Offer hot teas and soups for anyone with tenderness
  
  

These thoughtful touches help everyone feel included.

Why Choose Wertz Orthodontics

At Wertz Orthodontics, we have proudly served patients across Pennsylvania for more than 45 years.

Our community trusts us because we offer:

• Modern braces and Invisalign treatment
• A welcoming and supportive team
• A family-centered, patient-first environment
• Decades of experience and advanced orthodontic training
• Flexible scheduling
• A focus on comfort, quality, and long-term results

Your smile journey matters to us, and we want every holiday, milestone, and celebration to feel easy and worry-free.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is filled with memories, comfort food, and meaningful moments with people you love. With the right guidance, it can also be completely safe and enjoyable for patients wearing braces or Invisalign. By choosing soft dishes, avoiding tricky textures, taking care of your aligners, and brushing consistently, you can enjoy every moment without discomfort or complications.

From everyone at Wertz Orthodontics, we wish you a warm, joyful, and delicious Thanksgiving. Thank you for trusting us with your smile.

📸 Holiday Smile Challenge: Post a picture of your Thanksgiving plate or your holiday grin using #WertzOrtho. We would love to see how you celebrate.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I eat turkey with braces?

Yes. Just remove meat from the bone and cut it into small, tender pieces.

Are desserts safe during Thanksgiving?

Most soft desserts are completely safe. Pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and custards are great choices.

Can I snack with braces during the long weekend?

Yes. Stick to soft snacks and avoid hard, crunchy foods like pretzels or chips.

Can I drink hot beverages with aligners?

Avoid hot drinks while wearing aligners. Remove them before sipping anything hot.

What should I do if a bracket breaks during the holiday?

Call our office. We will guide you on what to do and schedule a repair appointment when we reopen.