What are some good foods to eat while wearing a palate expander and braces? i have a hard time swallowing with this thing in, and would like to know what kind of good foods would be best to eat.

With : With a little practice you should be able to eat almost anything. As for now, keep away from foods that can be molded into a shape, such as bread. Keep away from sticky foods like peanut butter. Go for slippery foods like jello and frozen yogurt.

You : You can eat most foods, however, you need to avoid anything sticky or chewy that may loosen the expander such as gum, etc. Some patients have trouble with soft breads that get stuck under the expander but usually rinsing with water can get that out.

Of : Of additional consideration is the fact that as the palatal expander is activated the upper jaw is less stable than normal, therefore i advise my patients to maintain a soft diet through the expansion period and for about four weeks after the expansion is completed to ensure that you do not disturb the results. As stated above you want to avoid food that can be lodged under the expander and i would consider a waterpik to help clean around the expansion device.

Choking avoidance: You will be less able to chew food in the beginning so choosing foods and eating techniques that reduce the chance of choking. Small bites, and chew well before swallowing. Make sure that you can clean well the areas under the expander. After a week or so you should become well accommodated to eating most foodstuffs.