Thanksgiving in Florida has its own special feel. Maybe it’s the warm breeze blowing through instead of crisp fall air, or the way palm trees get decorated with holiday lights. But whether you’re celebrating in Fort Lauderdale or somewhere nearby, one thing stays the same— Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a big, delicious meal. And if you’re wearing braces, that can feel a little complicated.
The good news? You don’t have to miss out on your favorite Thanksgiving foods just because you’re going through orthodontic treatment. With a little bit of planning and a better understanding of what’s safe to eat, you can enjoy the feast without worrying about damaging your brackets, bending a wire, or slowing down your treatment plan. Thanksgiving can still be tasty, festive, and totally braces-friendly.
Now, if this is your first Thanksgiving with braces, you’re probably wondering which foods to say yes to—and which ones to avoid. That’s totally normal, and you’re not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked questions patients bring up before the holidays. It helps to think about texture. Hard, crunchy, sticky, and overly chewy foods can all be trouble when it comes to braces. Soft, smooth, and easy-to-chew options are what you want to lean into. The key is finding that balance between celebrating and protecting your smile.
Start by thinking about the main event—the Thanksgiving dinner plate. Most of the classics are actually pretty friendly for braces wearers. Turkey is usually a go if it’s tender and shredded or cut into small, manageable pieces. Dark meat tends to be softer than white meat, and gravy helps make it easier to chew. If the turkey is a little dry or tough, it’s best to skip it and stick to softer sides instead. You don’t want to risk tearing at something that could pull a bracket loose or put pressure on your wires.
Mashed potatoes are a clear win. They’re soft, comforting, and easy to eat. Whether you like them buttery, garlicky, or topped with gravy, mashed potatoes are one of the safest and most braces-friendly Thanksgiving foods you can have. The same goes for sweet potatoes, especially if they’re baked and mashed instead of covered in a crunchy sugar topping. Marshmallow toppings? Totally fine. Crunchy pecans? Not so much.
Stuffing is one of those foods that can go either way. If it’s soft, moist, and free of hard edges or crusty bits, it’s usually safe to eat with braces. But if it’s made with big chunks of hard bread or has been baked to a crispy finish, you’ll want to be careful. If you’re at someone else’s house and you’re not sure how the stuffing was made, take a small bite and test it. If it seems too crunchy or chewy, it’s okay to pass and save your brackets the trouble.
Green bean casserole is another dish that can be braces-friendly—just be mindful of any crispy onion toppings. While the beans and sauce are soft enough to enjoy, those crunchy bits on top can cause issues. If you love the flavor, scoop from underneath and leave the crunchy layer behind. Same goes for other baked veggies. If they’re well-cooked and soft, they’re usually safe. But raw veggie trays? Definitely off-limits during orthodontic treatment. Raw carrots, celery, and even crisp bell peppers are too risky for your braces.
Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite part—dessert. Thanksgiving sweets are full of tradition, but some of them aren’t very braces-friendly. The good news is, there are still plenty of options that are both delicious and safe. Pumpkin pie is at the top of the list. It’s smooth, soft, and has that perfect balance of sweet and spice. Just be careful with the crust. Some pie crusts can be flaky and harmless, while others are crunchy or dense. If the crust seems too firm, focus on the filling.
Apple pie can be trickier. While the filling is soft and braces-approved, the apple slices can sometimes be too crisp, especially if they’re not fully cooked down. The crust can also be too crunchy depending on how it was baked. If you love apple pie, see if someone made a softer version—or maybe go for a scoop of warm apple cobbler instead. Bonus points if there’s ice cream on top.
For something on the lighter side, pudding or whipped mousse makes a great dessert. Chocolate, vanilla, pumpkin spice—you name it. These desserts are easy to eat and feel festive without posing any danger to your brackets. Jello and soft baked custards are also great options that won’t interfere with your treatment. If someone brought a tray of cookies, be cautious. Soft- baked cookies without nuts or hard add-ins might be fine, but anything with a crisp edge or crunchy texture is best avoided.
You can even get creative and make braces-friendly desserts of your own. Think mini pumpkin cheesecakes, soft brownies, or even a parfait layered with pudding and whipped cream. These options keep things festive without the stress of damaging your orthodontic appliances.
After the meal, don’t forget about your oral health. One of the biggest mistakes people make during the holidays is skipping their normal routine. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and forget to brush or floss, especially if you’re out of town or staying with relatives. But maintaining good oral hygiene during Thanksgiving is just as important as watching what you eat. Sugar and starchy foods can stick to your brackets and wires, creating the perfect environment for plaque to build up. Take a travel toothbrush with you and make time to clean your teeth after big meals or sugary snacks.
If you’re wearing clear aligners instead of traditional braces, like Invisalign, your routine is a little different but just as important. You’ll need to remove your trays every time you eat or drink anything other than water. Make sure to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Leaving food particles trapped between your aligners and your teeth can increase your risk of cavities and bad breath. It’s also a good idea to carry your aligner case with you during Thanksgiving gatherings so you have a clean, safe place to store them while you’re eating.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don’t go according to plan. If a wire gets loose or a bracket breaks during the holiday, don’t panic. These things happen. Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots and give our office a call as soon as we’re open. Unless it’s causing serious discomfort, most orthodontic issues can wait a day or two without throwing your treatment off track. It’s always better to call and check in, even if you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and enjoying good food. Wearing braces doesn’t change that—it just means you need to approach the holiday with a little more care. With so many braces-friendly Thanksgiving foods to choose from, there’s no reason to feel left out of the celebration. From mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie to soft turkey and sweet potato casseroles, your plate can still be full of flavor and joy.
As you head into the holiday season, remember that every small decision you make—what you eat, how you care for your braces, how often you brush and floss—brings you one step closer to your new smile. Orthodontic treatment is temporary, but the results last a lifetime. And staying on track through the holidays will only help you get there faster.
Need help preparing for a braces-friendly Thanksgiving? We’ve got you covered. Our team provides expert, personalized orthodontics care that Fort Lauderdale families rely on— during the holidays and all year round. Book a consultation today and keep your smile healthy, happy, and holiday-ready.
Dr. Ovy Quintanal is a South Florida orthodontist and the founder of Oceanside Orthodontics in Fort Lauderdale, FL.