If you’re in orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign®, first of all, congratulations! We’re so excited for your life-changing journey. Now if you’re dining out at a new restaurant, you may be wondering what to look for and what to avoid on the menu.
Your orthodontist Dr. Matsumoto and our team are here to help. Here’s your ultimate guide to braces-friendly foods at local restaurants in Porters Neck, Wilmington, and Invisalign-approved dishes.
What is considered a ‘braces-friendly food’?
As you know, all types of braces (even BRIUS® invisible 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 and try some new delicious meals.
Top Braces-Friendly Foods in 2024 & 2025
Eating out with braces in Wilmington 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:
1.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 Porters Neck, Wilmington, orthodontist office is only a 6 minute drive away from K38 Baja Grill, a modern Mexican restaurant with over 900 Google reviews. Give it a try!
2.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.
Try out Italian Bistro at Porters Neck for fresh pasta primavera near our Wilmington orthodontics office.
3.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.
We’re only 5 minutes from Umaii Thai Restaurant, a local favorite for sushi lovers.
4.Grilled Salmon with Mashed Potatoes
It’s no secret that North Carolina 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 Cape Fear Seafood Company near our office yet? With over 1,500 Google reviews, locals rave about the fresh salmon dishes here.
5.Fruit Bowls and Smoothies
As the temperature is slowly starting to drop in Wilmington, it’s a good idea to get your fix of summer-inspired smoothies before fall weather comes in full force!
For a sweet fruit treat, Port City Java near our Porters Neck, Wilmington, orthodontist office has a full menu of smoothies, blended drinks and more.
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 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 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 great food and great vibes with Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics.
We don’t want orthodontic treatment to get in the way of living your best life year-round. 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.
There’s no better place to be than in Porters Neck, Wilmington! Happy eating from your friends at Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Ready to begin your journey? Request your complimentary consultation with us today.
