My dd totally cheats on the braces rules now, after 2 years in them. But she was very good for a long time. I do not approve of th echeating, but at 14, its her mouth and I recite all toe consequences each time. FWIW, she has not broken any braces on candy. I worry about all the sugar, though.
That said, Junior mints are good for braces, well, easy to eat. I ordered dd some suncups as well. She can manage skittles as they are small and do not actually get into her brackets the way she chews them. But certainly are against the rules.