Summer is the season for sunshine, good vibes and delicious food – especially in the DMV area!
If you’re in orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners this summer, first of all, congratulations!! We’re so excited for you to experience your BEST self. Now if you’re heading to the beach, spending time on the Potomac River, 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 in Alexandria, and clear aligner-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 — which means you have to choose your meals wisely to avoid damaging your brackets or wires.
The food items that are least likely to damage your braces are considered braces-friendly foods! This may sound restrictive, but there are a lot more braces-friendly food options than you might think.
Use this as a chance to branch out this summer and try some new delicious meals!
Top Braces-Friendly Foods for Summer 2025
Eating out with braces in the DMV area 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 Alexandria orthodontic office is about 10 minutes from Jacalito Grill, a Tex-Mex & Rotisserie Chicken spot in Springfield! If Mexican food is your summer vibe (or year-round vibe), give Jacalito Grill 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.
Try out The Farmhouse Tuscan for some pasta primavera — it’s right across the street from us, just a two minute walk!
- 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 Alexandria orthodontist office is also only a two minute drive or four minute walk from Matsui Japanese Sushi & Ramen, a local favorite for sushi and hibachi lovers!
- Grilled Salmon with Mashed Potatoes
Lucky for us seafood-lovers in Alexandria, fresh-caught Chesapeake seafood is never far! Salmon is delicious and nutritious, can be seasoned in so many different ways, and is gentle on your braces.
Have you tried Olympians Family Restaurant near us yet? Get your salmon on in the beautiful 22315!
- Fruit Salad
Sunny days and fresh fruit go together like pb&j! Opt for a summery fresh salad, stacked high with your favorite soft fruits, or blend it all up for a smooth, refreshing drink.
You can never go wrong with a fresh fruit smoothie from Tropical Smoothie!
Best Types of Restaurants to Eat at with Braces or Clear Aligners
Your restaurant choices aren’t as limited as you may think! Here are some of the best types of food spots 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 clear aligners?
One of the main benefits of clear aligners is that you can remove your trays 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 or buttons, avoid super hard foods: If you’re wondering, what can you eat with clear aligners attachments, here’s your answer! If you have clear aligner 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 & become your best self with First Impression 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.
There’s no better place to be this summer than in the DMV area. Happy eating from your friends at First Impression Orthodontics!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Ready to begin your journey? See all of our orthodontic treatment options, and book your complimentary consultation with us today!
