Have you ever broken a bracket or a wire during a holiday party? Trust us, it’s not fun. Even with the seemingly long list of what-not-to-eats, you can still have a great holiday. Here are some tasty, braces-friendly holiday desserts that should help you not miss that pecan pie quite as much.

Cake: Cake–as long as you avoid nut pieces, candied fruit (sorry, fruitcake lovers), and caramel–is totally fine with braces. A well-made cake can be a show-stopping centerpiece at your next holiday party. Try an orange-almond pound cake with fresh whipped cream, or a hazelnut spice cake with vanilla sauce. Be sure to clean your braces and teeth thoroughly after eating starchy food. Be sure to use extracts rather than nut pieces.

Meringues: Meringues are a great option for people with braces! As a bonus, they are gluten free, and excellent for many specialized diets. Try large meringues stacked with whipped cream, or small meringues with cream frosting between them. Don’t make them on a humid or wet day, though, as they won’t set.

Soft Chocolate: Chocolate puddings, chocolate whipped cream, hot chocolate, soft chocolate truffles–chocolate seems to be everywhere during the holiday season. Luckily, of all the sweets you could eat, chocolate may be the best for your teeth! This is especially true of dark chocolate. It quickly melts away from teeth and does not harm your braces hardware. Savor every bite, and keep portion sizes small.

Don’t snack on sweets throughout the day. Eat a treat (or three), and then be done for a while. Keep portion sizes small, and enjoy every bite! Then brush your teeth and braces thoroughly.

For more information, call Brown-Saito Orthodontics in Vancouver and Camas, Washington, at 360-256-7220. Dr. Traci Saito and our team are happy to keep your holidays delicious!