Let’s be honest: the first few days after getting your new braces or switching to a tight new clear aligner can feel a little… tender. Your teeth are doing some heavy lifting to build that beautiful new smile, and your favorite crunchy, chewy, Brooklyn street foods might have to take a back seat for a minute.
But skipping the crunch doesn’t mean you have to skip the flavor! Brooklyn is a world-class food capital, and there are endless ways to eat like royalty without breaking a bracket or warping an aligner.
Whether you’re heading home from an appointment at our Avenue U office or just exploring the neighborhood, here is your ultimate guide to the best braces-friendly eats across the borough.
1. The Ultimate Brooklyn Comfort: Bucatini Bolognese at Marco Polo
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The Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
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Why your smile will thank you: While you have to stay away from hard pizza crusts during your first few weeks of braces, you don’t have to stay away from incredible Italian cooking. Head over for their ultra-creamy, velvety bolognese or a rich, slow-cooked veal pasta. It’s warm, comforting, and requires absolutely zero chewing power.
2. A Sweet Cool-Down: Artisan Gelato at L’Albero dei Gelati
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The Neighborhood: Park Slope
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Why your smile will thank you: Cold foods are a lifesaver for soothing a sore mouth after an orthodontic adjustment. While hard ice creams with chunks of nuts or candy are a braces no-go, the incredibly smooth, slow-churned Italian gelato here is perfection. Stick to smooth flavors like classic fior di latte, rich chocolate, or seasonal fruit sorbets.
3. A Soft Savior: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Matzo Ball Soup at 2nd Ave Deli
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The Neighborhood: Williamsburg
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Why your smile will thank you: When your teeth are feeling extra sensitive, liquid gold is the answer. A massive bowl of classic chicken broth with a giant, fluffy matzo ball is the ultimate soft-food hack. The shredded chicken is incredibly tender, the carrots are perfectly soft, and the matzo ball practically melts on impact.
🚫 Quick Reminder: The Braces “No-Fly Zone”
While you’re out exploring Brooklyn’s food scene, just keep the golden rules in mind. Steer clear of:
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The Sticky: Caramel, taffy, and gummy candies.
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The Hard: Hard pretzels, bagels, popcorn kernels, and nuts.
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The “Front-Tooth Crucials”: If you’re eating corn on the cob, apples, or thick burgers, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces first so you aren’t biting directly into them with your front brackets!
What’s your favorite soft-food spot in Brooklyn?
Did we miss a neighborhood gem that got you through your first week of braces? Let us know at your next check-in!
Are you ready to start your own smile journey? Click here to book a complimentary consultation with the expert team at Mizrahi Orthodontics today!