One of the benefits of being a Coquitlam orthodontist is having access to the fantastic restaurants in the area. However, considering I spend my days at Evergreen Orthodontics, I can’t help but scan the menu for braces-friendly food options wherever I go. My Coquitlam Invisalign patients are lucky because they can simply remove their aligners and eat whatever they choose. While you can enjoy many of the foods you love with braces, it does take some adjusting. To make it a little easier on you, I’ve put together a quick primer on braces and food, as well as a few Coquitlam-area restaurant recommendations for those undergoing orthodontic treatment.
First, let’s cover what to eat with braces. Avoid gum and really sticky, chewy candy like caramel and taffy, as well as things like popcorn and small nuts that can get stuck in the brackets and cause inflammation. Strip corn off the cob and break or cut hard or chewy foods like meat, apples or bagels into tiny pieces. After adjustments, and when you first get your braces put on, your teeth could be a little sensitive so soft food such as mashed potatoes, applesauce and soup are ideal. Cold foods and drinks including smoothies and ice water work well too. Now, on to the restaurant recommendations:
Soup Plus – 1102 Austin Ave, Coquitlam, BC
Soup Plus offers delicious homemade soups. While the selection varies depending on the day at the mom and pop shop, the cream of cauliflower and lentil bacon are fantastic.
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JOEY Coquitlam – 550 Lougheed Way, Coquitlam, BC
JOEY has a lot of Asian-inspired dishes including sushi, which is easy on the mouth and a really good BBQ Salmon Rice Bowl.
My Greek Taverna – 946 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam, BC
This restaurant serves tasty authentic Greek cuisine. Braces-wearers might want to try the Chicken Santorini, which won’t require too much cutting because it’s so tender.
Pho Phu Tinh Restaurant – 1175 Johnson Street, Coquitlam, BC
Pho Phu Tinh offers fresh Vietnamese food and their pho broth is delicious. Pho is an excellent food to eat with braces because it’s perfect for sensitive teeth but also filling and nutritious.
Rocky Point Ice Cream – 2800 Murray Street, Port Moody, BC
I know this one isn’t in Coquitlam, but it’s close enough and I felt I had to include ice cream on this list. I mean it’s soft, cold and sweet. What more could you ask for? Considering I went to dental school, I do have to warn that you should eat sugary foods like ice cream in moderation and make sure to brush your teeth after. Now that that’s out of the way, Rocky Point Ice Cream is fantastic. They make handcrafted, small batch ice cream and use local ingredients. Try the Earl Grey n’ Honey or the Banana Fudge.
The Coquitlam Grill – 2635 Barnet Hwy 108, Coquitlam, BC
We always warn our patients to be careful with things like bagels and chewy rolls and if they really want to eat one, they should break them into tiny pieces. But when it comes to bread products that are safe to eat with braces, soft, fluffy pancakes fit the bill and Coquitlam Grill really knows pancakes.
Pearl Fever – #340 – 3025 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam, BC
There are tons of drink options at Pearl Fever but if you’re looking for something cold and refreshing, try one of their 30 smoothie flavors. Choose a fresh fruit option to get a dose of vitamins.
