Summer is the season for sunshine, good vibes and delicious food – especially in Florida!
If you’re in orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® this summer, first of all, congratulations!! We’re so excited for your life-changing journey. Now if you’re heading to the beach or dining out at a new restaurant, you may be wondering what to look for and what to avoid on the menu.
We’re here to help! Here’s your ultimate guide to braces-friendly foods at local restaurants around our nine locations in Northwest Florida, and Invisalign-approved dishes.
What is considered a ‘braces-friendly food’?
As you know, all types of braces are glued to your teeth and are not removed until the end of your transformation. This means you have to choose your meals wisely to avoid an ‘orthodontic emergency’ (bracket popping off or wire moving out of place.)
The food items that are least likely to damage your braces are considered braces-friendly foods! This may sound restrictive, but don’t worry. There are a lot more braces-friendly food options than you may think.
Use this as a chance to branch out this summer and try some new delicious meals!
Top Braces-Friendly Foods for Summer 2024
Eating out with braces in Northwest Florida doesn’t have to be a challenge! There are a ton of different restaurants with diverse menus, just waiting for you to dive in.
Here are some of the best braces-friendly meal ideas and local restaurants to find them at!
- Taco Bowls
You can find tex mex almost anywhere! Skip the hard shells and opt for a soft taco bowl filled with rice, beans, grilled chicken, and avocado.
Our Pensacola orthodontist office is located only five minutes away from Taqueria El Asador, a modern Mexican restaurant with over 4,000 Google reviews. Give it a try!
- Pasta Primavera
This dish combines pasta with a variety of soft vegetables in a light sauce, making it a perfect choice for munching with braces.
Live near our Navarre orthodontist office? Try out Bella Luna Italian Bistro!
- Sushi Rolls
Who doesn’t love sushi? Choose sushi rolls with soft fillings like avocado, cucumber, and cooked fish. California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, nigiri and sashimi are all delicious and braces-friendly! It’s best to avoid crunchy toppings.
Our Panama City orthodontist office is located just five minutes from Tokyo Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, a local favorite for sushi lovers!
- Grilled Salmon with Mashed Potatoes
It’s no secret that Florida is an ideal destination for fresh fish. Salmon is delicious and nutritious, can be seasoned in so many different ways, and is gentle on your braces.
Have you tried Alice’s on Bayview near our Panama City orthodontist office yet? Some people say they have the best salmon they’ve ever tried!
- Fruit Smoothies
Sunny days and fresh fruit smoothies go together like pb&j! Opt for a summery smoothie filled with your favorite soft fruits.
Bagelheads in Pensacola is the perfect destination for fruit smoothies! It’s only a ten minute drive from our Pensacola orthodontist office!
Best Types of Restaurants to Eat at with Braces or Invisalign
Your restaurant choices aren’t as limited as you may think! Here are some of the best food destinations this summer and how to navigate their menus:
- Italian Restaurants: Italian cuisine is perfect for braces-friendly meals. Enjoy soft pasta dishes, risottos, and grilled vegetables.
- Seafood Restaurants: Opt for grilled fish, shrimp, and other soft seafood options. Avoid hard-shell crustaceans and sticky sauces.
- Japanese Restaurants: Sushi rolls with soft fillings, miso soup, and steamed vegetables are great choices. Steer clear of tempura and other crunchy items.
- Mexican Restaurants: Soft tacos, burrito bowls, and enchiladas are excellent options. Avoid hard tortilla chips and crunchy tacos.
- Mediterranean Restaurants: Hummus, falafel, soft pita bread, and grilled kebabs are delicious and braces-friendly.
- Cafés and Smoothie Bars: Smoothies, yogurt parfaits, and soft sandwiches make for a light and braces-friendly meal.
What can I eat with Invisalign?
One of the best parts of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners as needed to eat, clean your teeth and clean your aligners. That means all of your favorite foods are still on the table, and every restaurant is a possibility.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before chowing down:
- Remove your aligners before eating: Always take out your aligners before eating!
- If you have attachments, avoid sticky, hard food: If you’re wondering, what can you eat with Invisalign attachments, here’s your answer! If you have Invisalign attachments bonded to your teeth, you want to avoid them popping out of place. Opt for softer options to protect your attachments.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean and can prevent aligner staining.
- Brush and floss after meals: To maintain good oral hygiene and ensure your aligners stay clear, rinse your aligners out and try to brush and floss after each meal before putting your aligners back in.
Celebrate summer with Fishbein Orthodontics!
We don’t want orthodontic treatment to get in the way of living your best life this summer! We’re here to give you all the tips, recommendations and tricks you need to satisfy your taste buds, while staying on the fast track to your perfect smile.
Happy eating from your friends at Fishbein Orthodontics!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Ready to begin your journey? Request your complimentary consultation with us today!
