Summer is made even more fun with treats like shaved ice and frozen custard. Some are better for braces than others. If you’re looking to cool off this summer with some delicious treats or someplace to enjoy a delicious family meal, we at Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics have a few suggestions!
G’s Frozen Custard
A central Topeka institution, G’s Frozen Custard offers frozen custards, concretes, and sundaes with toppings of your choice. The soft-serve custard is just fine for braces, but avoid pecans, peanuts, and hard candies, which could damage them.
Tad’s Tropical Sno
Located near Gage Park, this seasonal favorite is now open for summer hours from noon-10 p.m. daily! Enjoy Tad’s Tropical Sno shaved ice with your favorite flavors added. Because the ice is shaved, it will melt easily in your mouth and shouldn’t require chewing. That means your braces shouldn’t be at risk.
Bobos Drive In
If you want a Topeka, KS, legend, it doesn’t get more legendary than Bobos Drive In. It opened in 1948, moved to its current location on 10th Avenue in 1953, and has been serving great drive-in food to Topeka residents ever since.
The menu includes burgers, fries, grilled cheese, corn dogs, and coney dogs, but they may be best known for their shakes and malts — a perfect way to cool off in the summer!
Paisanos Ristorante
Soft pasta, creamy sauces, and braces-safe desserts make this a great place for a family meal during the summer. Paisanos Ristorante also offers thin-crust pizza that should be eaten with care if you have braces (avoid the edges if they’re too hard or crispy).
Avoid the bruschetta and the crispy pieces with the artichoke dip, both of which may be too crunchy to be eaten safely with braces. Also, the hard top on the creme brulee could damage braces. The rest of the menu should be fine.
FAQs of Summer Dining With Braces
What foods should I avoid with braces during the summer?
While shaved ice is fine, avoid snow cones with ice pellets. Crunching those could damage your braces. You also want to avoid tortilla chips, soft pretzels, pizza crust edges, and hard toppings on ice cream such as nuts and hard candies.
Are there braces-friendly places to enjoy year-round?
Yes! We have several suggestions for where to eat braces-friendly foods in our Best Places to Eat blog!
Best Summer Foods for Braces in Topeka, KS
If you’re out enjoying summer days, there are several great places to eat that offer braces-friendly foods to enjoy all summer long. If you have issues with your braces, Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics can help you! Schedule an appointment to see us today!
