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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Everyone wants a good smile, right? As actor James Franco said, “When I was a child, I wanted to be an actor, but I had really bad buckteeth. I didn’t want to get braces, but my mom said I couldn’t be an actor if I didn’t get the braces. So, I got the braces.” 

Whatever the motivation, (and there are many good reasons to get braces) someone may feel like they might not eat normally again. But, fear not. Even though there are foods to avoid, braces don’t require wearers to sip soup through a straw.

What You Can’t (or shouldn’t eat) While Wearing Braces

The reason for careful eating while wearing braces is summarized in one word: damage. Braces have brackets, bands, archwires or surfaces that can be damaged. Damage costs money and causes delays in good dental care. In addition, the wrong kinds of food can cause tooth decay.

Here are some foods to avoid (many of these are hard items that can easily cause damage:)

  • Popcorn (beware the kernels)
  • Pretzels
  • Potato Chips
  • Nuts
  • Hardshell tacos
  • Carrots, Celery and other crunchy veggies
  • Peanut brittle
  • Hard breads like bagels and pizza crusts
  • Hard cookies
  • Ice (don’t chew ice ever)
  • Beef jerky
  • Candies that are hard or sticky like caramels, gummy bears, licorice, taffy and fruit roll-ups
  • Chewing gum

What You Can Eat While Wearing Braces

While the list of foods to avoid seems extensive, many food items are ok to eat as long as the usage is modified. For example, eat corn cut off the cob, chicken wings that have had the chicken removed from the bone, chopped pears, apples, pickles, and chewy meat (off the bone) that has been cut into small bite-size pieces.

You can eat many things that are softer:

  • Yogurt and dairy
  • Cheese
  • Mashed potatoes, softer cookies
  • Softer fruits without seeds or pits: bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries
  • Peanut butter and jam/jelly
  • Noodle dishes: spaghetti, mac and cheese, ravioli
  • Grains

Remember to brush after every time food is eaten or at minimum rinse out the mouth with water. Be sure to floss once a day as well.

Choose an Expert Orthodontist You Can Rely On

When it’s time for braces, contact Reese Orthodontics, The Smile People, based in Charleston, SC. Over 11,000 people have trusted Reese Orthodontics to transform their smiles and their lives. Great options. Great service. Great results.

Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
click here to read reese orthodontic reviews
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Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).