Orthodontic patients can enjoy a variety of healthy food options

Many parents find that meal time can be a challenge when their children get braces. Now, thanks to some new recipes, both parents and kids will have something to smile about.

When celebrity chef Gale Gand's 10-year-old son, Gio, got braces she faced one of her toughest tests to date: how to modify her favorite recipes into braces-friendly fare that her whole family would love.

"Meals have always been an event at our home, a time when we can all come together as a family to share delicious food and the day's events," says Gand. "The good news is - that with a few food modifications and braces-friendly substitutes - our family mealtime ritual didn't have to change that much."

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), more than 4 million children and 1 million adults have braces.

To help parents and patients, the AAO provides the following braces-friendly recipe created by Chef Gale Gand. She says it's one of her son's favorites:

Savory Chicken Pot Pie

Serves 4

1-tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes

1 large russet potato, peeled and cubed

2 large carrots, peeled and cubed

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