The holiday season is a time for celebration, delicious treats, and quality moments with loved ones. But if you're wearing braces or aligners, it’s important to stay mindful of your orthodontic care during the festivities. At Glander Rochford Orthodontics in Indianapolis, IN, we want to ensure your holiday smile stays on track. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your orthodontic treatment while enjoying the season to the fullest.
1. Choose Brace-Friendly Festive Foods
The holidays bring an abundance of tempting treats, but some foods can pose a risk to your braces or aligners. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods like caramel, candy canes, and nuts can damage wires or brackets. Instead, opt for softer options like mashed potatoes, turkey, casseroles, festive fruits like oranges or cranberries and soft treats like cookies.
If you’re wearing aligners, remove them before indulging and always rinse your mouth and aligners before reinserting them to prevent staining or food particles from getting trapped.
2. Stay Committed to Oral Hygiene
Amid holiday travel and celebrations, it’s easy to let your oral hygiene routine slip. But maintaining clean teeth and braces is essential to avoiding plaque buildup and ensuring your treatment progresses as planned.
Brush after every meal: Pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your teeth wherever you go.
Floss daily: Use orthodontic floss threaders or a water flosser to get between brackets and wires.
Rinse with mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your mouth fresh and protect against cavities.
If you're using aligners, be sure to clean them daily with clear, mild soap and lukewarm water to keep them free of bacteria and odors.
3. Stick to Your Treatment Schedule
The hustle and bustle of the holidays might tempt you to skip wearing your aligners or delay an adjustment appointment. However, consistency is key to achieving your dream smile.
Wear aligners as prescribed: Aim for at least 20-22 hours per day, even during family gatherings or parties.
Attend scheduled appointments: If you’re traveling, plan ahead to ensure your appointments at Glander Rochford Orthodontics remain on track.
4. Keep an Orthodontic Kit Handy
Holiday travels can bring unexpected situations, like loose brackets or lost aligner cases. Packing a small orthodontic kit can save the day. Include essentials like orthodontic wax, a travel toothbrush, floss, pain relievers, and a compact mirror.
5. Stay Hydrated and Limit Sugary Beverages
Seasonal drinks like hot cocoa and eggnog are a holiday staple, but their high sugar content can lead to cavities. Drink plenty of water to rinse away sugars and keep your mouth hydrated, especially if you're indulging in festive treats.
Celebrate the Holidays with a Confident Smile
At Glander Rochford Orthodontics, we’re here to support your orthodontic journey, even during the busiest times of the year. With a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy the holidays while keeping your braces or aligners in excellent condition.
If you have questions or need an adjustment before the festivities, schedule an appointment with us at our Indianapolis, IN office. Together, we’ll keep your smile on the path to perfection.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Glander Rochford Orthodontics!
