Getting braces doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice good food or good nutrition. In fact, with a little guidance and creativity, you can eat well with braces and enjoy meals that support both your orthodontic treatmentand your overall health. Rhoads Orthodonticsis here to show you how to eat well in Cranberry Township with your braces!
What Are My Food Options With Braces?
To eat well with braces, texture and nutrition rule the day. Here are some wonderfully versatile options that are also low in added sugars.
- Cooked vegetables (steamed or roasted)
- Naturally soft fruits like bananas, berries, or melon, or harder fruits that have been cooked down or stewed, like apples or pumpkin
- Shredded chicken, flaky fish, tofu, and ground meats
- Smooth nut butters and hummus
- Oatmeal, soft rice, pasta, and quinoa
- Yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk
- Smoothies, soups, and soft casseroles
Your no-go list should include solid candies, crunchy chips, whole apples or raw carrots (unless sliced thin), tough-to-chew breads, and sticky treats like caramel. These can hurt the various parts of your braces and potentially lead to repairsthat will slow down your treatment.
Our Braces-Friendly Picks Near Cranberry Township
We’ve compiled a list of ten local restaurants in and around Cranberry Township that will make you excited to eat well with braces. Check out the menus ahead of time, and eat up!
- Clean Eatz(Cranberry Township)
Clean Eatz offers customizable bowls, lean protein options, and soft grains that are gentle on braces. Try a bison bowl with sweet potatoes and veggies or one of their signature smoothies. Everything is cooked to be easy to chew and high in nutritional value. - Aladdin’s Eatery(Cranberry Township)
Aladdin’s Eatery offers a delicious and healthy take on Lebanese cuisine that’s perfect when you’re trying to eat well with braces. Known for its huge menu, fresh ingredients, nourishing recipes, and soft textures, this local chain is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful meals without risking damage to brackets or wires. - First Watch(Warrendale)
Located just minutes from Cranberry, First Watch serves breakfast and brunch all day. Scrambled eggs, soft pancakes, yogurt parfaits, and avocado toast (minus the crust) are perfect for braces wearers looking to eat well. - Hello Bistro(McCandless Crossing)
Known for build-your-own salads and bowls, Hello Bistro lets you customize your meal with soft toppings like quinoa, avocado, grilled chicken, and roasted sweet potatoes. Skip the croutons and crunchy toppings, and you’re good to go. - The Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant(Franklin Park)
Enjoy soft tacos with tender meats, rice bowls, and guacamole. Their dishes are flavorful yet easy to chew, making it simple to enjoy Mexican cuisine while being mindful of your braces. - Noodles & Company(Cranberry Township)
A go-to for braces-friendly comfort food. Their mac & cheese, buttered noodles, and pesto cavatappi are all soft and satisfying options. Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. - The Milk Shake Factory(Cranberry Township)
While not a full meal, it’s a braces-safe treat! Choose from a wide variety of thick milkshakes or soft ice cream blends for a sweet reward that won’t harm your brackets. - Aviva Brick Oven(Warrendale)
Aviva offers soft pasta dishes like baked ziti, penne vodka, and fettuccine Alfredo. Their soups and salads (without crunchy toppings) also make great braces-friendly meals. - Freshii(Wexford)
Freshii’s bowls, burritos, and smoothies are highly customizable and braces-safe. Try their Teriyaki Twist bowl or a warm lentil soup for a hearty, health-conscious lunch. - Eat’n Park(Multiple Locations)
A family staple since 1949, offering mashed potatoes, grilled fish, eggs, and soft baked goods. Their salad bar also includes soft fruit and pasta options for a braces-friendly plate.
Choosing a Community-Focused Orthodontic Practice
When you’re choosing an orthodontic provider, it helps to pick someone who truly understands the community they serve. At Rhoads Orthodontics, we can truly say we’re a part of Cranberry Township in this sense. Dr. Rhoads is deeply invested in the lives of her patients and the success of the region.
Our community involvement includes:
- Sponsoring local eventslike Cranberry Community Days and Girls on the Run
- Supporting youth activitiessuch as CTAA Baseball and school programs
- Encouraging educationthrough office scholarships and shadowing opportunities
- Providing mentorship, especially to young women pursuing leadership and STEM roles
Dr. Rhoads believes in empowering the next generation to embrace their strengths and follow their dreams. You’ll often find her celebrating at sports games, volunteering at events, or engaging in meaningful community projects.
That commitment to communitytranslates into the personalized care you receive at every appointment. You’re not just a patient—you’re a neighbor, a student, an athlete, an artist, a part of something bigger. And we feel honored to be part of your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.
A Different Kind of Care
We’re confident that you’re in the best possible hands with us—and we have the track recordto show for it! Our teamwelcomes you to check out our Cranberry Township officefor a free consultationand learn more about the future of your smile.