If your braces are feeling the heat, La Grande has a sweet way to cool them off whether it’s post-adjustment or just a summer afternoon craving, soft, creamy treats can make all the difference. Your friends at La Grande Orthodontics, Dr. Christopher, Dr. Tilley, and the whole crew, know exactly where to go when you want something smooth, soothing, and bracket-approved. Let’s kick things off with a local spot that’s all heart and extra scoops.
The Local
Small-Town Charm Meets Big-Time Flavor
Located in a revamped 1950s Texaco station at 1508 Adams Avenue, The Local is part café, part community hangout, and all about smooth soft-serve vibes. Known for their farm-direct coffee, they also scoop Stella’s delicious ice cream, which is perfect for those post-adjustment moments. Flavors change often, so you’ve got a fresh pick every visit and none of the crunchy nightmare toppings.
Braces-friendly picks:
- Classic soft-serve in vanilla or chocolate
- Smooth Stella’s scoops like strawberry or cake batter
- Cookie sundaes topped with whipped cream (just skip nuts and other crunchies)
Friendly staff and a laid-back courtyard create the perfect backdrop for cooling off after a visit with Dr. Christopher or Dr. Tilley.
Next stop: a La Grande classic that’s all about fan-favorite soft-serve and speedy service.
Dairy Queen
Soft Serve You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
Dairy Queen at 2312 Island Ave is the go-to spot for that classic smooth, creamy soft serve (just imagine a gentle swirl that doesn’t bother your braces after an orthodontic appointment.)
Why it’s braces-approved:
- Soft serve texture is lighter and airier (about 40–45% air), making it easier on tender teeth
- Choose a plain sugar cone (instead of a waffle cone) or cup.
- Craving something more? Grab a Blizzard®. But make sure to ask for soft add-ins like marshmallow and veto hard bits
Next up, we’ll take you to a froyo joint that’s perfect for a braces-friendly treat that’s light on crunch but big on flavor.
Short Stop Xtreme
Froyo That Fits Your Braces Plan
Short Stop Xtreme at 1709 Gekeler Ln is a cozy frozen yogurt and espresso spot popular with families and teens. Their self-serve setup lets you customize your cup (and skip crunchy toppings), making it a sweet choice after braces adjustments.
What Makes It Braces-Safe:
- Smooth frozen yogurt that won’t get stuck in brackets
- A range of soft toppings, like fruit or whipped cream
- Pours and scoops are easy to control, perfect for sensitive mouths
This relaxed vibe is perfect for spring evening hangouts or sweet stops after a downtown bike ride.
Next up: a retro-style soda fountain that serves soft-serve in a colorful setting.
Soda Blitz
Fizzy Fun with Soft-Serve Style
Ready for something a little different? Soda Blitz at 1609 Adams Ave offers fizzy mocktails and frothy soft-serve in a bright, modern setting. Their creative lineup rotates weekly, but always stays on the soft side.
Braces-Friendly Highlights
- Vanilla or rotating flavors, like mixed berry or chocolate, stay smooth and bracket-friendly
- Float options, with syrup over soft-serve and soda
- A bright, casual setting with both indoor space and drive-up windows—perfect for a quick pickup after an appointment
This spot turns a simple treat into something fun and fuss-free, even if your mouth is feeling tender after a visit with Dr. Christopher or Dr. Tilley.
Next stop: a La Grande gem where small-batch gelato and sorbet make it easy to cool off without irritating braces.
Community Merchants
Gelato and Sorbet That Soothe Braces
You might wander into Community Merchants for local honey or handmade pottery, and find yourself pleasantly surprised by their dessert offerings. Located at 1210 Adams Avenue, they serve freshly-made gelato, sorbet, and they’ve even recently added single‑scoop ice cream cones to the lineup!
What Makes It Braces-Safe:
- Creamy gelato and fruit-forward sorbet that are softer than traditional ice cream
- Flavor rotations like coconut, double chocolate, and orange creamsicle. Check their Facebook to see what’s fresh!
- Soft-serve cones offer a classic treat in a gentler format
This cozy spot doubles as a local gift store, which makes it a fun stop after visiting Dr. Christopher or Dr. Tilley. Plus, you can grab a gelato treat and explore La Grande’s handcrafted goods.
Next up: why La Grande Orthodontics is the extra scoop when it comes to expert care and community comfort.
Smiles That Feel Like Home
Grabbing a soft-serve after braces reflects the same kind of thoughtful care you get at La Grande Orthodontics. Dr. Christopher and Dr. Tilley offer more than just excellent ice cream recs; you’ll also get an orthodontic experience built around your schedule and comfort.
Here’s what sweetens the deal:
- Free consultation, including exams, 3D X-rays, and personalized treatment planning
- A full menu of treatments, from traditional braces to Invisalign and LightForce 3D-printed clear braces, all tailored by Dr. Christopher and Dr. Tilley
- Flexible appointment times and quick checkups that keep treatment on track without disrupting your summer plans
- Supportive care environment, with the team ready to answer questions, coordinate with your dentist, and make life with braces easy
La Grande life shouldn’t get sidelined by orthodontics. The team at La Grande Orthodontics keeps things smooth and stress-free with care that fits your schedule, just like your favorite scoop on a summer day.
Ready for some extra toppings? Just when you thought it couldn’t get sweeter, here come the perks that make La Grande Orthodontics the cherry on top of your care experience.
More Perks Than a Double Scoop
Orthodontic care this smooth is almost as easy as ordering your go-to cone. From versatile options to fun extras, here’s what stands out:
Financing That Works for You
Interest-free plans, autopay options, and family discounts (like 25% off for parents) keep things affordable.
Four Locations, One Easy Experience
Get care in La Grande, Walla Walla, Yakima, or Ellensburg, whichever works best that week.
Virtual Consults
Busy day? Send in a few photos and let the team review your case remotely.
More Than Braces
Options include professional teeth whitening, laser gum reshaping, and retainers built for comfort and long-term wear.
Between braces-friendly flavors and a practice that keeps things breezy, getting care in La Grande has never tasted better.
Scoop, There It Is
Braces or not, your next ice cream run doesn’t have to wait (and neither does your smile). With expert care from Dr. Christopher and Dr. Tilley, plus a team that knows how to keep things flexible, fun, and hassle-free, La Grande Orthodontics is the sprinkles on top of orthodontic care in town. Schedule your free consultation at one of our La Grande, Walla Walla, Yakima, or Ellensburg offices and treat yourself to care that fits just right!