If you’ve recently gotten braces, you might be asking: Can you eat chips with braces? It’s one of the most common questions orthodontic patients have. Chips are a favorite snack for many, but wearing brackets and wires changes how you should approach crunchy foods.

The short answer is yes, you can eat chips with braces—but with caution. Not all chips are created equal, and some can break brackets or get stuck in hard-to-reach places. In this article, we’ll explain which chips are safer to eat, what to avoid, and how to snack smarter without risking your treatment.

So... Can You Eat Chips with Braces?

Yes, but not all chips are created equal. Thin and crisp chips can usually be eaten safely if you chew gently and avoid using your front teeth.
On the other hand, hard or extra-crunchy chips, like kettle-cooked or thick-cut styles, can damage brackets or bend wires if you’re not careful.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up chips completely. But it’s worth knowing what could cause trouble, so you can avoid extra visits to the orthodontist.

What Can Go Wrong?

Certain chips can:

• Loosen brackets, especially if bitten with the front teeth
• Bend wires, which can throw your treatment off track
• Leave behind crumbs that get stuck and increase the risk of plaque, cavities, or bad breath
• Lead to extra appointments if something breaks, and possibly a longer treatment time

Luckily, a few small changes in how you snack can make a big difference.

How to Eat Chips More Safely

• Choose thin, light chips, plain potato chips with a soft crunch are usually safer
• Break chips into small pieces before eating, this reduces pressure on your braces
• Chew with your back teeth, not the front
• Eat slowly and mindfully, so you stay in control

If you’re wearing a removable aligner like Invisalign, you can simply take it out before eating — no need to worry about damaging brackets. Just make sure to brush before putting it back in. That’s one of the big perks of this type of treatment.

Cleaning Your Teeth After Eating Chips

Chips leave behind more crumbs than you’d think, and they love getting stuck around brackets. So good hygiene afterward is important:

• Brush your teeth as soon as possible, ideally with a toothbrush designed for braces
• Use interdental brushes, floss, or a water flosser to get between teeth and wires
• Rinse with water if you can’t brush right away, it helps clear out food debris and acids

Snacks to Avoid Completely with Braces

Some snacks almost always cause problems and are best avoided altogether:

• Sticky candies like toffee, caramels, or anything chewy
• Chewing gum (even sugar-free kinds can get tangled in wires)
• Popcorn (especially the kernels and shells)
• Hard nuts or hard candy — they can easily damage your braces

Instead, go for softer options that are easier on your braces:

• Ripe fruit like bananas or avocados
• Yogurt, smoothies, or soups
• Soft veggies, scrambled eggs, or rice cakes

Summary

Chips aren’t off-limits with braces, but it’s smart to be a little cautious. Go for softer, thinner styles, chew with your back teeth, and clean thoroughly afterward.

If you're using Invisalign or thinking about it, you’ll have even more freedom when it comes to food, since the aligners come out when you eat. That’s a big bonus for many teens and adults

who want flexibility during treatment.

Want more personalized tips on what to eat and how to care for your braces or aligners? Book a visit with your orthodontist, they’ll help you feel confident about what works best for your smile.