A guide to braces -friendly foods and summer treats for braces and aligner wearers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Popcorn is the #1 food question we hear, and the honest answer is more nuanced than most patients expect. Kernels are the real problem, not the fluff.
- Hershey chocolate is generally braces-friendly. Soft chocolate melts rather than sticks, making it one of the safer summer treats living in chocolate country.
- Corn on the cob can stay on the menu if you cut the kernels off first. The same delicious PA sweet corn, none of the risk.
- Ice cream is mostly safe, but watch for hard candy mix-ins, frozen fruit chunks, and waffle cones bitten directly with front teeth.
- Gum is genuinely off-limits, even sugar-free. The chewing motion alone bends wires and pulls on brackets, regardless of what sweetener is inside.
Introduction
It's a Saturday afternoon at Hersheypark, the rides are running, the temperatures are pushing 90 degrees, and your tween in braces is standing in front of the snack counter trying to choose. She wants all of it: funnel cake, Reese's ice cream, popcorn, chocolate, an icee. The question is which ones she can actually eat. You've heard "no" to so many foods over the past few months that even you aren't sure anymore.
This is the moment when families across Lebanon, Robesonia, Hershey, Cleona, Palmyra, Annville, and the broader Pennsylvania Dutch Country end up calling our office. The same five questions come up over and over, summer after summer. So we wrote down the honest answers. At Wertz Orthodontics , our practice has been answering exactly these questions across central Pennsylvania for more than 45 years, since Dr. Robert Wertz Sr. opened our doors. This blog walks through the five summer food questions we hear most often, with the quick verdict on each one and the workaround that lets you keep the food on your summer menu.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Robert Wertz Jr. joined Wertz Orthodontics with his father, Dr. Robert Wertz Sr., who started the practice over 40 years ago. A Lebanon native who has known he wanted to be an orthodontist since age six, Dr. Wertz Jr. earned his bachelor's from Mount St. Mary's University and his DMD and Orthodontic Certificate from Temple University. He is proud to serve the same community where he grew up.
Dr. An , our newest Board-Certified Orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics, joined Wertz Orthodontics this month at our Hershey office. After earning her bachelor's from Boston College and her DDS from Columbia University, she completed her orthodontic residency and Master of Dental Science at the University of Connecticut, where she served as Chief Resident and was honored in the Dr. William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Award competition. Her research expertise in artificial intelligence in orthodontics adds forward-thinking depth to our team.
Why We Wrote Down the Answers to These Questions
Forty-five years of practice teaches you which questions patients ask most often. Some questions come up so frequently that we know what's coming before the family says it. Popcorn always tops the list, followed by chocolate, corn on the cob, ice cream, and gum. We could write a list of "foods to avoid,”, but the families asking us these questions deserve real answers: the honest verdict, the clinical reason, and the workaround that lets them keep summer fun. Here is what we tell every family.
Question #1: Can I Eat Popcorn?
This is the most-asked food question in our practice, hands down. The answer surprises most families.
Can I Eat Popcorn?
Quick Verdict:
NO
Why:
Popcorn causes two distinct problems for braces. First, the unpopped or partially-popped kernels at the bottom of every bag are essentially small rocks that can snap wires and break brackets in a single bite. Second, the popcorn hulls (the thin, papery skins from the kernel) wedge between brackets and into the gum tissue, causing irritation and inflammation that can persist for days.
The Workaround:
Skip popcorn entirely during treatment. For movie nights at home or family outings, swap to soft alternatives like cheese puffs, soft pretzels broken into pieces, or air-popped puff snacks. Save the real popcorn for the celebration after your braces come off.
Question #2: What About Hershey Chocolate This Summer?
This question comes up especially often during the summer months when families visit Hersheypark and Chocolate World, and patients want to know if they have to skip the chocolate capital's signature treat.
Can I Eat Hershey Chocolate?
Quick Verdict:
YES (mostly)
Why:
Plain chocolate is one of the most braces-friendly treats available. Hershey Kisses, Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars, and most plain chocolate products melt rather than stick, so they don't pull on brackets or jam between wires. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are also generally safe because the peanut butter is soft. The trouble starts with chocolate that contains hard candy mix-ins, caramel, toffee, or whole nuts.
The Workaround:
Plain Hershey Kisses, Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Special Dark are all on the menu. Skip Heath bars, Skor bars, Krackel (with crisped rice pieces that can damage brackets), and anything with caramel or whole nuts. Living in chocolate country has its braces-friendly perks.
Question #3: Can My Child Have Corn on the Cob?
Pennsylvania sweet corn at the height of summer is a regional treasure, and this question comes from every Pennsylvania family with a child in braces. The answer requires a small modification.
Can My Child Have Corn on the Cob?
Quick Verdict:
YES, with modification
Why:
Corn on the cob is one of the leading causes of bent wires we see during summer, not because the corn itself is hard, but because of the biting motion required to strip kernels from the cob. The hard front-teeth biting force transfers directly through brackets and bends or breaks wires. The kernels themselves are perfectly safe to chew with back teeth.
The Workaround:
Cut the kernels off the cob with a knife before eating. The same delicious PA sweet corn shows up as a side dish without any of the bracket risk. For families at picnics where this isn't practical, save the corn for the next meal at home, where you can cut it.
Question #4: Are Summer Ice Cream and Frozen Treats Safe?
Ice cream is a summer staple, and most patients are relieved to hear that the answer is mostly yes. The nuance is in what comes with the ice cream.
Are Summer Ice Cream and Frozen Treats Safe?
Quick Verdict:
YES, with care
Why:
Plain soft-serve, scooped ice cream, sorbet, and gelato are all safe for braces. The plastic spoon and gentle scooping motion don't apply any force to the brackets. The problems start with hard mix-ins (cookie pieces, chocolate chunks, frozen fruit pieces that haven't fully thawed), waffle cones bitten with front teeth, and frozen treats containing hard candy.
The Workaround:
Choose softer toppings (sauces, whipped cream, soft fruits) instead of hard mix-ins. Skip the ice cream cones and opt for a bowl. Frozen yogurt with soft toppings is one of the safest hot-day treats available.
Question #5: What About Gum and Chewy Candies?
This is the question patients ask, hoping for an exception that doesn't exist. Sugar-free gum gets a special mention because so many patients assume it's safe.
What About Gum and Chewy Candies?
Quick Verdict:
NO
Why:
All gum (sugar-free included) and all chewy candies (taffy, caramel, Tootsie Rolls, gummy bears, sour candies) cause the same problem: the chewing motion itself pulls aggressively on brackets and bends wires. Sugar-free doesn't help because the issue is the mechanical action of chewing, not the sugar content. Sticky candies compound the problem by adhering directly to brackets and stretching the adhesive bond.
The Workaround:
Skip all gum and chewy candies during treatment. For fresh breath, use sugar-free mints (which dissolve rather than chew) or mouth rinse. For sweet cravings, swap to soft chocolate, ice cream, soft cookies, or fresh fruit. The cravings disappear once you find safe alternatives.
Universal Smart Eating Rules
These five rules apply across all summer food questions and answer most of the situations we haven't covered above.
- If it's hard, it's a no. Hard candies, ice cubes, whole nuts, hard pretzels, raw carrots bitten whole. Anything you have to crunch with front teeth.
- If it's sticky, it's a no. Caramel, taffy, gummies, jelly beans, fruit roll-ups. The chewing motion pulls on brackets.
- If it bites with front teeth, modify it. Whole apples, corn on the cob, hamburger patties, hot dogs. Cut, slice, or pull apart first.
- If it's pigmented, drink water alongside. Coffee, dark sodas, red juices, berry smoothies. Hydration reduces staining time.
- If you're not sure, ask us. Call any of our three Pennsylvania offices. Most food questions get answered in less than two minutes. We are here to help.
Why Pennsylvania Families Trust Wertz Orthodontics
For over 45 years, Wertz Orthodontics has been a trusted home for braces and Invisalign across central Pennsylvania. Here is what sets our practice apart.
- More than 45 years of practice legacy: Dr. Robert Wertz Sr. founded the practice over four decades ago, his son Dr. Robert Wertz Jr. continues that work today, and Dr. An brings advanced credentials and forward-looking expertise to the team
- Three convenient Pennsylvania locations: Lebanon, Robesonia, and Hershey, serving families across Lebanon County, Berks County, Dauphin County, and the broader Pennsylvania Dutch Country region
- More than 75 five-star Google reviews from PA families who trust us with their smiles
- Complete treatment options: traditional braces , Invisalign clear aligners , clear trays, and personalized treatment plans for every age and lifestyle
- Create your signature smile: we believe every patient's smile is unique, and our role is to bring it out with honest care and decades of experience
Conclusion
Summer in central Pennsylvania doesn't have to mean food worries for families with braces. You now have honest answers to the five questions we hear most: popcorn is a no, Hershey chocolate is mostly a yes, corn on the cob stays with a small modification, ice cream is safe with care, and gum is off-limits. Whether you're heading to Hersheypark or a Lebanon picnic, our team is here for the questions we haven't covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child accidentally eats popcorn at a friend's house?
Check their braces right away. If everything looks intact and there's no pain, you may have gotten lucky. Watch for any loose brackets, broken wires, or unusual discomfort over the next few days. Any popcorn hulls visible between brackets should be carefully removed with floss or a soft-bristled brush. If anything looks wrong, call our office.
Can I drink lemonade with braces?
Yes, lemonade is generally fine, but it contains acid that can weaken enamel over time. Drink it through a straw when possible, rinse with water after, and avoid sipping continuously over hours. The same advice applies to most acidic summer drinks like iced tea and fruit punches.
Are smoothies a safe summer option?
Yes, smoothies are one of the safest summer options for braces patients. Choose smoothies without hard mix-ins or large frozen fruit chunks. Drink through a straw if the smoothie contains berries or dark fruits to reduce staining time. They're also a great way to get nutrition during the first few sore days after adjustments.
What about marshmallows around the campfire?
Marshmallows are a borderline case. Fully soft, freshly toasted marshmallows are usually fine. The trouble starts when they cool down and get stretchy, or when patients bite directly into hardened or stale marshmallows. S'mores can work with soft chocolate and graham crackers, but eat slowly and watch for stickiness.
How quickly should I call if a bracket breaks this summer?
Call within 24 hours when possible. Most broken brackets aren't true emergencies, but the sooner we know, the sooner we can plan the repair. If you're at Hersheypark or anywhere in central PA, we can usually see you within a day or two. Apply orthodontic wax to any sharp edges in the meantime.
Sources
- Khan, M., Mheissen, S., Iqbal, A., Jafri, A.R., & Alam, M.K. (2022). Bracket Failure in Orthodontic Patients: The Incidence and the Influence of Different Factors. BioMed Research International , 2022, 5128870. Read full study
- Aljohani, S.R., & Alsaggaf, D.H. (2020). Adherence to Dietary Advice and Oral Hygiene Practices Among Orthodontic Patients. Patient Preference and Adherence , 14, 1991–2000. Read full study
- Stasinopoulos, D., Papageorgiou, S. N., Kawamura, J., Tanimoto, Y., Papadopoulos, M. A., & Jäger, A. (2018). Failure patterns of different bracket systems and their influence on treatment duration: A retrospective cohort study. Angle Orthodontist , 88(5), 596–603. Read full study
- American Association of Orthodontists. Braces: Treatment Information for Patients. View AAO resources
- American Dental Association. Braces. View ADA resources
This blog is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical, dental, or orthodontic advice. Please contact Wertz Orthodontics or your healthcare provider with specific questions about your individual orthodontic care, dietary restrictions, or treatment plan.
