Easter is a time for family, fun, and, of course, lots of delicious treats! However, if you or your child has braces, not all Easter goodies are created equal. Some candies can cause damage to braces, which could mean an unexpected trip to the orthodontist. So what candy can you eat with braces?
In a recent interview on The Morning Blend, Dr. Victoria Chen, owner of Significance Orthodontics, and her treatment coordinator, Shannon Castanak, shared some helpful advice on how to enjoy Easter treats safely when you have braces. They also provided insight into the best practices for starting orthodontic treatment early and maintaining a healthy smile for life.
During the conversation, Dr. Chen highlights the importance of taking preventive steps with orthodontic care and provides tips on which treats are safe for braces wearers. Whether you’re curious about what snacks to avoid or how to make the most of your orthodontic treatment, their advice is invaluable.
What Candy Can You Eat With Braces Transcript
Here’s a simplified transcript of their insightful discussion:
Before digging into the goodies in your Easter basket this morning, it’s important to know the difference between what’s safe and what’s not, especially if you have braces. Here to break it all down for us is Dr. Victoria Chen, owner of Significance Orthodontics, along with Shannon Castanak, the orthodontic treatment coordinator. Good morning, ladies!
Victoria/ Shannon:
Good morning! Thanks for having us.Host:
So fun — you brought the Easter baskets! Let’s dive into the conversation, but first, tell us a bit about the four locations of Significance Dental around the Las Vegas area.Victoria:
Sure! We are dental specialists with orthodontists, periodontists, and endodontists. We have four offices right here in the Vegas Valley.Host:
That’s great! Now, we have these two Easter baskets here, and one of them is filled with treats that are a big no-no if you have braces. Which one is it?Shannon:
Which one do you think? (laughs)Host:
I’d think something chewy or gum-related?Shannon:
Exactly, you’re spot on! Things like gummy bears and gum are really sticky and chewy, which means if you have braces, you’ll want to stay away from them. Indulging in these can lead to an extra appointment after the holiday weekend — no one wants that!Host:
That makes sense, especially if it means avoiding broken brackets! Now, can we talk about the “Yes” basket? It’s nice to know there’s a basket of goodies that people with braces can enjoy.Victoria:
Definitely! The “Yes” basket includes anything that isn’t too sticky or chewy. Think Kit-Kats, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, or hollow chocolate bunnies. Even brownies are fine!Host:
That’s great to hear! You’ve also brought some fun non-food items like toys and hand sanitizers. Oh, and I was surprised to see peeps here — I didn’t think they’d make the cut.Shannon:
Yes, peeps are actually safe. Even though they’re marshmallows, they aren’t super sticky, so you can rinse anything leftover off your braces easily.Host:
Good to know! Now, what’s a good age to start orthodontic treatment?Victoria:
Great question. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children start seeing an orthodontist by age seven. It’s not necessarily because they’ll need braces right away, but it’s important to monitor their growth and development early on.Host:
Why so young?Victoria:
At around age seven, we can identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. Catching things early may prevent kids from needing major treatment later down the road. Many kids don’t need braces until they’re around 10 or older, but it’s beneficial to keep an eye on things.Host:
Absolutely. Now, something unique about Significance Dental is that you offer a lifetime warranty on your work. Can you talk more about that?Victoria:
Yes! Over the years, we noticed that sometimes after patients finish their treatment, their retainers might break or they stop wearing them, causing their teeth to shift. In these cases, people would have to pay full price again for braces. We introduce this warranty so that if a patient’s teeth shift for any reason, we’ll provide their braces again for free. We want to make sure our patients keep their perfect smiles!Host:
That’s fantastic! Especially when braces are a significant investment, this gives parents peace of mind. Do you have any special offers right now?Shannon:
Yes! We’re offering a complimentary consultation. Just give our office a call, and we’ll get you scheduled. Additionally, Dr. Victoria is offering her book, “The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous,” as a gift with the consultation.Host:
Wonderful! I also notice you offer Invisalign. Is it only for adults or teens as well?Victoria:
Invisalign is a great option for both adults and teens — even older adults can benefit! I’ve had patients in their 70s start Invisalign. It’s never too late to get a better smile.Host:
That’s amazing! You really cater to everyone. Where are your four locations?Shannon:
We have one in Summerlin, one in Southwest on South Fort Apache, one near Harmon and the airport, and another in North Las Vegas on Craig Road.Host:
Perfect! Thank you so much, ladies. This has been so helpful — now we know what Easter treats are safe for those with braces, and we’ve learned all about your unique orthodontic care.For more information on Significance Orthodontics, their details are on your screen. They are a proud sponsor of The Morning Blend.
Your Smile, Your Investment
As Dr. Victoria Chen and Shannon mentioned, keeping your braces in good shape requires knowing what’s safe to eat and what to avoid — especially during special occasions like Easter, where sugary temptations are everywhere! Thanks to Significance Orthodontics, you not only get expert orthodontic care, but also a lifetime warranty that ensures your investment in a beautiful smile is protected long-term.
With four convenient locations around the Las Vegas area, Significance Orthodontics makes caring for your family’s teeth as easy as possible. Don’t forget to take advantage of their complimentary consultation and receive a free copy of Dr. Chen’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous!
To find out more about their services or book an appointment, visit Significance Orthodontics today. And remember, a healthy smile is a lifetime gift — so keep it bright, even through the sugary holidays!