Braces might mean skipping popcorn or sticky candy, but thankfully, no one’s banning banana splits (nuts and caramel free, of course)! Dr. Gary Sexson II and the team at Sexson Orthodontics know that when braces are feeling a little tender, ice cream is one treat they won’t argue with. Luckily, Rockford’s ice cream scene serves up everything from creamy classics to tropical twists, all braces‑friendly and full of flavor. Let’s check out a few local favorites where smiles (and spoons) stay happy after an orthodontic visit.
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery, at 653 S Perryville Rd, crafts your ice cream right before your eyes, making it one of the smoothest stops for braces wearers following a visit to Dr. Gary Sexson II at Sexson Orthodontics.
Here’s why Cold Stone makes the list:
- Create‑Your‑Own Creations™ let you pick soft ice cream bases and gentle mix-ins, avoiding nuts or hard candies that could snag brackets or wires.
- Silk® dairy-free desserts and fruit sorbets offer smooth options for those avoiding dairy or looking for lighter bites after a braces adjustment).
- Milkshakes and smoothies crafted with your chosen ice cream or Silk® dessert stay easy to sip and kind to tender teeth.
- Pickup, delivery, or dine-in options at this Perryville Rd location make it effortless to swing by after an appointment with Dr. Gary Sexson II or a day at CherryVale Mall.
Cold Stone in Rockford provides soft textures, customizable flavors, and easy access close to Sexson Orthodontics. It’s a perfect ice cream treat for teens that keeps both taste buds and braces safe.
Next, we’ll explore why Sweets N’ Eats is another braces-favorite stop nearby.
Sweets N’ Eats
Located at 7096 Walton Street, Sweets N’ Eats is a vibrant candy and dessert destination that also offers Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream®, a beloved Wisconsin brand with a rotating selection of up to 32 flavors!
What makes it braces-friendly:
- Soft scoops of Chocolate Shoppe® flavors (like banana split or classic vanilla) without crunchy toppings.
- Milkshakes made with any flavor from their ice cream lineup, ideal for smooth sipping and gentle on brackets.
- Custom sundaes and parfaits—just opt for cups or gentle add‑ins over brittle candies.
- Ice cream cakes and cheesecakes available if you want to skip the scoop and stick to softer dessert options.
As a family-run shop mixing candy, Mexican eats, and soft dessert options, Sweets N’ Eats provides a braces-safe stop with more flavor options than many dessert shops. Combine a frozen treat with a quick mouth rinse and brush afterward to wrap up a perfectly braces-friendly snack run!
Next up: we’ll explore downtown Rockford’s own legend, Zammuto’s Granita & Ice Cream, for a taste of historic cold treats and smooth textures.
Zammuto’s Granita & Ice Cream
Zammuto’s Drive‑In & Carry‑Out, stationed at 725 Kent St on Rockford’s south side, has been delighting locals for nearly a century with its signature granita and soft serve treats.
Why it’s a favorite for braces wearers:
- Their original “Granita” combines Italian ice and sorbet into a smooth, icy treat without hard crystals, perfect after a braces appointment or during healing days.
- Soft serve ice cream offered alongside their granita gives a creamy alternative that’s gentle on brackets and wires.
- Signature “Unusual” blend layers granita and soft serve—it’s flavorful and orthodontic‑safe with no crunchy toppings.
- Local legend with heart and a family-run spot cherished by generations. Ideal for post-appointment celebration scoops that feel like home.
Whether you’re cooling off from a check-up with Dr. Gary Sexson II or enjoying a Downtown Rockford outing, Zammuto’s offers options that keep your smile happy and your taste buds satisfied.
Coming up: a quick trip to La Michoacana, where colorful, fruit‑filled treats prove that braces‑friendly desserts can be just as fun and flavorful.
La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream
Located at 3840 Broadway St, La Michoacana is a beloved neighborhood spot offering vibrant Mexican-style paletas, fruit-based drinks, and soft frozen treats.
Why it’s braces-friendly:
- Fruit paletas in flavors like mango, lime, and strawberry are smooth, icy, and free of nuts or sticky mix-ins, perfect after a tightening or with braces sensitivity.
- Cream-style paletas such as coconut or arroz con leche melt easily and feel gentle on tender brackets.
- Aguas frescas and sorbet cups, made with real fruit, offer refreshing flavors without chew or crunch!
- Frozen yogurt adds more soft and safe options for braces wearers looking for a cooler treat.
This Rockford location celebrates local paleta tradition with big flavor and gentle textures, making it a perfect stop for families, teens, or anyone looking for a braces-safe treat after visiting Sexson Orthodontics.
Let’s move on to some pro tips to help make every ice cream run braces-friendly and easy.
Braces-Friendly Tips from Sexson Orthodontics
Dr. Gary Sexson II and the team at Sexson Orthodontics know how important it is to enjoy life’s little treats without interfering with your braces or clear aligners. Here are a few expert-backed tips to help teens enjoy ice cream while staying on track:
Stick with soft textures
Classic soft-serve, milkshakes, and sorbets are gentle on brackets and won’t put pressure on wires or trays. These are especially helpful during the first few days after an adjustment.
Avoid sticky or crunchy mix-ins
It bears repeating: Toppings like nuts, toffee, or caramel can damage braces or get trapped around Spark aligners. Smooth sauces and simple sprinkles are safer choices.
Rinse, then brush
Sugary treats can increase the risk of plaque buildup. Swish with water right after eating, then brush thoroughly once you’re home.
Say no to cone chewing
Crunching into a waffle cone might feel satisfying, but it’s a fast way to pop a bracket. Choose a cup and use a spoon instead.
Stop by Sexson Orthodontics or give them a call for more care tips and personalized advice throughout your treatment.
Next up: a final scoop on why families from Rockford to Roscoe and beyond trust Sexson Orthodontics to keep smiles cool, comfortable, and ice cream–ready all summer long.
Why Locals Love Sexson Orthodontics
Your orthodontic treatment shouldn’t get in the way of your dessert plans. With nearly three decades of care behind them, Sexson Orthodontics has built a reputation in the community for making the experience feel approachable and easy.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Flexible beginnings: Start with a free, no-pressure consultation from Dr. Gary Sexson II, or choose a virtual smile assessment first.
- Easy on your schedule and budget: No down payment and versatile financing plans make treatment as smooth as soft serve.
- Comfort-first care: Get traditional braces, Spark clear aligners, or ceramic braces—all delivered with warmth, humor, and a neighborly vibe.
- Modern amenities: Digital scans replace yucky impression paste, and timely appointments keep you smiling without missing out on what matters.
Plus, between braces check-ups and celebration scoops, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
The Cherry on Top
From mix‑ins at Cold Stone to paletas at La Michoacana, your summer smile deserves to enjoy every sweet stop Rockford has to offer. Dr. Gary Sexson II and the Sexson Orthodontics team are here to make sure braces never get between you and a (braces-friendly) sweet treat. With a convenient office in Rockford, expert care is always nearby. Book your free consultation today and let’s make your smile the best part of summer!