The holiday season brings unique challenges when you’re wearing braces or aligners. Between the tempting treats and busy schedules, you need to make extra effort to protect your orthodontic care routine. Whether you’re wearing traditional metal braces, clear ceramic brackets, or Invisalign aligners, here’s how to keep your orthodontic treatment on track while enjoying the festivities.
Traditional and ceramic braces require special consideration when it comes to holiday treats. Hard candies, sticky caramels, and crunchy nuts – holiday favorites that can damage brackets and wires – should be avoided. Instead, focus on braces-friendly treats like soft cookies, puddings, and chocolate that melts easily. For Invisalign wearers, remember to remove your aligners before eating any treats, and always rinse your mouth before putting them back in.
Keep a small orthodontic care kit with you during holiday gatherings. Include a travel toothbrush, orthodontic wax for any emergencies, and interdental brushes to remove food particles that can get caught around brackets. Having these tools handy makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene even during busy celebrations.
Holiday schedules can disrupt regular routines, but maintaining your orthodontic care is crucial. For Invisalign users, try to keep your aligners in for the recommended 20-22 hours daily, even during holiday events. If you wear traditional or ceramic braces, don’t let the busy season cause you to skip essential cleaning routines after meals.
Set reminders on your phone to help stay on track with aligner wear times or cleaning schedules. The progress you’ve made is valuable – don’t let the holiday season slow down your journey to a perfect smile.
If you’re traveling during the holidays, pack extra orthodontic supplies. For traditional or ceramic braces, bring additional wax, rubber bands, and cleaning tools. Invisalign wearers should pack their next few sets of aligners and keep them in carry-on luggage when flying. It’s better to be over-prepared than risk a setback in your treatment.
Before attending holiday events, eat a proper meal at home. This can help reduce the temptation to snack on braces-unfriendly foods at parties. For Invisalign users, plan your aligner wear schedule around major holiday meals.
Sugar exposure is a bigger concern when wearing braces, as brackets and wires create more places for cavity-causing bacteria to hide. After enjoying holiday sweets, rinse thoroughly with water and brush as soon as possible. For those with ceramic braces, be mindful that certain holiday beverages like red wine or dark cocoa can stain the clear brackets.
Invisalign users have more flexibility with holiday treats but should be extra diligent about cleaning their teeth and aligners after indulging. Never eat or drink anything except water while wearing aligners.
Despite our best efforts, orthodontic emergencies can happen during the holidays. Save your our contact information in your phone, and know their holiday office hours. If you’re traveling, research orthodontists at your destination who can help with emergency care if needed.
Don’t let the holiday season derail your orthodontic progress. Schedule a checkup before the busy season begins to ensure your treatment is on track and get any needed supplies. Remember, a little extra attention to protect your orthodontic care now means you’ll be that much closer to revealing your perfect smile at next year’s holiday gatherings
Call Russ Ford Orthodontics today at 719-782-7016 for an appointment in Colorado Springs, CO. You can also schedule online.
