If you’re wearing braces, you’re already investing in your future smile. But the foods you eat play a major role in making your treatment successful. Lozman Orthodontics wants to help you make smart, smile-friendly choices every day. This local guide will show you how eating healthy with braces in Latham is easier—and more delicious—than you might think!
From local restaurant picks to insider food tips, we’ll help you navigate your food choices while protecting your brackets, wires, and oral health.
Lay of the Land: Smart Food Choices for Braces
While you’re wearing braces, it’s important to completely avoid foods that are too hard, sticky, or chewy. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up flavor or variety by any means! Here are some braces-safe food categories to refer back to that are healthy and easy on your hardware:
- Soft fruits: Bananas, ripe peaches, seedless watermelon, and berries
- Cooked vegetables: Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, soft carrots
- Whole grains: Oatmeal, quinoa, soft-cooked rice
- Dairy: Yogurt, cheese, milk, cottage cheese
- Lean proteins: Scrambled eggs, grilled fish, ground turkey, shredded chicken
Dr. Robin Lozman recommends staying away from hard nuts, sticky candies, crunchy chips, and raw vegetables unless they are cooked soft. These foods commonly damage braces and delay patients’ treatment progress.
10 Must-Try Restaurants for Our Patients
1. CoreLife Eatery – Latham, NY
Looking for healthy bowls and soups? CoreLife Eatery is a top pick for eating healthy with braces in Latham. Their grain bowls with quinoa, tender roasted veggies, and soft proteins like grilled chicken or tofu are not only braces-friendly but loaded with nutrients. Try the Spicy Thai Chicken and Rice Noodle Bowl—just be sure to skip the crunchy toppings.
2. Uncommon Grounds – Albany, NY
This cozy café offers soft, delicious options for breakfast and lunch. Their oatmeal bar is perfect for those who wear braces and choose from banana slices, cinnamon, and berries. Their smoothies are also a smart choice when you need something cool and filling.
3. Tara Kitchen – Troy, NY
Moroccan cuisine at its finest! Many of Tara Kitchen’s dishes are slow-cooked and served tender, like their tagines with chicken or lamb. Soft couscous and well-cooked vegetables make this spot perfect for healthy meals that won’t harm your braces.
4. Little Beet – Albany, NY
If you’re after plant-based meals, Little Beet delivers. Their veggie-forward bowls include sweet potato, soft avocado, and tender grains like brown rice—all perfect when eating healthy with braces. They also offer blended smoothies that are gentle on your teeth.
5. Kismet Mediterranean Grill – Latham, NY
This family-owned Mediterranean spot has plenty of braces-friendly options. Think grilled chicken, soft rice, hummus, and yogurt dips. Their warm lentil soup or falafel (if cut into small pieces) make for satisfying, smile-safe meals.
6. Healthy Café – Albany, NY
Located near the Capitol, Healthy Café offers wraps (ask for soft tortilla), grilled veggies, and protein-rich bowls. Their soft sides, like mashed sweet potato or quinoa salad, are gentle on braces and support your oral health.
7. Greenhouse Salad – Latham, NY
While salad can be tricky with braces, Greenhouse offers chopped salad options and soft toppings like beans, grilled tofu, or roasted squash. Their protein bowls with warm rice and baked salmon are especially braces-friendly.
8. Bountiful Bread – Albany, NY
With soft sandwiches and hearty soups, Bountiful Bread offers a variety of braces-friendly bites. Their tomato bisque and turkey sandwich on soft multigrain bread are gentle and satisfying. Avoid the crusty artisan loaves, though!
9. Bowled – Latham, NY
Bowled serves customizable superfood bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies made with soft, nutritious ingredients. Opt for grain or veggie-based bowls with soft roasted proteins, skipping any crunchy seeds or granola. Their açai bowls and blended smoothies are especially braces-friendly and packed with vitamins and fiber.
10. The Works Café – Latham, NY
Located a few minutes from Latham, The Works Café offers healthy wraps (ask to remove crispy elements), soft gluten‑free sandwiches, and soups that are braces‑safe. Their muffins or porridges also make gentle and nourishing breakfast options.
Why Do Locals Choose Lozman Orthodontics?
When it comes to eating healthy with braces in Latham, expert guidance matters. At Lozman Orthodontics, our experienced team offers:
- Personalized care from a beloved family-run practice
- Modern options like SPEED Braces, Allure Ortho Essence, and 3M Clarity Aligners
- Flexible payment options to suit every patient, and same-day treatment starts
- A convenient, longstanding Latham location and high-tech tools for precision care
You’ll feel cared for from your first visit to your final smile reveal! We would love to welcome you in for your free consultation with Dr. Robin Lozman to start discussing your treatment goals!