Hello, during orthodontic treatment, many patients report weight loss, difficulty eating, and wonder whether gaining weight while wearing braces is achievable. From a medical perspective that combines orthodontics and nutrition, I will explain each issue in detail so that you can understand the underlying causes and make appropriate dietary adjustments.
Why Do People Wearing Braces Often Lose Weight?
My answer is as follows: people undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces are more likely to lose weight mainly because of changes in eating habits and reduced calorie intake, not because braces disrupt the body’s metabolism.
Physiologically, during the initial stages of treatment or after each orthodontic adjustment, soreness and pressure often make you:
- Reluctant to chew, especially foods that require extensive chewing
- Eat smaller portions than before
- Prefer eating quickly and consuming less food to minimize discomfort
In addition, avoiding familiar foods such as hard, chewy, and crunchy foods often results in a lower-calorie diet. This is one of the most common reasons why many patients notice significant weight loss after wearing braces for a period of time.
Is It Possible to Gain Weight While Wearing Braces?
The answer is: gaining weight while wearing braces is absolutely achievable, provided that you follow a proper diet suitable for your current orthodontic condition.
Braces do not interfere with your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. The main issue is that you are not eating enough and not eating appropriately. By choosing soft yet calorie-dense foods, maintaining regular meals, and using appropriate nutritional supplements when necessary, it is entirely possible to gain weight even during orthodontic treatment.
Nutritional Principles for Gaining Weight During Orthodontic Treatment
To gain weight safely while wearing braces, I recommend following these basic nutritional principles:
- Choose high-calorie, soft-textured foods that are easy to chew
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of consuming large portions at once
- Ensure adequate intake of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates
- Do not skip meals because of tooth soreness
Eating smaller amounts but consistently and appropriately will help you gain weight gradually and steadily without placing excessive pressure on your teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Recommended Foods for People Wearing Braces Who Want to Gain Weight
In clinical practice, dentists commonly recommend the following food groups for patients wearing braces who wish to gain weight:
- Milk, plant-based milk, weight-gain milk formulas, and smoothies
- Porridge, thick soups, mashed potatoes, and well-cooked soft noodles
- Eggs, steamed fish, ground meat, and tofu
- Avocados, soft cheese, and Greek yogurt
These foods are both easy to eat and easy to digest, while providing sufficient calories without increasing the risk of bracket detachment or tooth soreness.
Common Mistakes That Make It Difficult to Gain Weight While Wearing Braces
Dentists also encounter many patients whose improper eating habits prevent healthy weight gain. The most common mistakes include:
- Eating only thin porridge or watery soup for an extended period
- Skipping meals because of tooth pain
- Overly restricting the diet even after the teeth have stabilized
- Choosing only soft foods that are low in calories
These mistakes lead to prolonged calorie deficiency, resulting in continued weight loss or an inability to gain weight despite undergoing orthodontic treatment for a long time.
At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, in addition to providing orthodontic treatment based on standardized medical protocols, our dentists also offer detailed guidance on appropriate nutrition and daily habits for each stage of orthodontic treatment. As a result, many patients are able to maintain good overall health and gain weight safely and scientifically while wearing braces.
If you are currently wearing braces but experiencing weight loss or difficulty gaining weight, you are welcome to visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, where our orthodontists will examine your condition and provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your dental condition and overall health.
