Which type of food is typically safe for patients with fixed appliances?

The selection of soft fruits as the type of food typically safe for patients with fixed appliances is grounded in the nature of the food's texture and the potential for damage to orthodontic appliances. Soft fruits, such as bananas, peaches, or berries, have a consistency that is gentle on the teeth and appliances, making them unlikely to cause dislodgment or breakage.

When individuals have fixed appliances, such as braces, they need to avoid foods that could exert excessive force on the brackets and wires. Hard candies, raw vegetables, and popcorn present risks: hard candies can crack brackets, raw vegetables often require biting that could strain the appliances, and popcorn can pose a choking hazard and may get stuck in the appliances, leading to potential complications in oral hygiene and orthodontic treatment.

Hence, soft fruits are not only easy to eat for patients with fixed appliances, but they also contribute essential nutrients and hydration without compromising the integrity of the orthodontic treatment.