The holidays are here, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner! As we prepare for festive gatherings and delicious meals, it is also essential to think about how holiday treats might affect your orthodontic journey. For those wearing braces or clear aligners, navigating family feasts and travel does not have to be stressful. Our Orthodontic Specialists team has put together this quick guide to help keep your smile safe through all the holiday fun—plus, we have included a surprising Thanksgiving trivia fact at the end!
Protecting Braces During Holiday Meals
Holiday favorites like caramel, crunchy nuts, and popcorn can create serious challenges for braces. But with a little caution, you can still enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without worry! Here is what to do if any issues arise:
- Loose Bracket
If a bracket comes loose, gently reposition it with clean tweezers and cover it with orthodontic wax for comfort. Be sure to schedule a repair visit with us as soon as possible to keep your treatment on track. - Broken or Protruding Wire
For wires poking out, trim them carefully with sanitized nail clippers and cover any sharp spots with wax. This will make things comfortable until we can see you. - Bent Wire
Biting into a turkey bone or crusty bread could bend a wire. If you notice a change, give us a call for guidance to help get your smile back on track.
Braces Hygiene Tips During the Holidays
Keeping braces clean during the festive season can be tricky, especially with all the holiday treats! Here are tips to keep your braces—and your smile—in top shape:
- Brush After Every Meal: Aim to brush after eating holiday meals to prevent food from getting stuck in your brackets. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around the brackets and wires thoroughly.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is essential for getting rid of debris between teeth. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to make it easier to reach under the wires.
- Rinse with Water or Mouthwash: If brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge any lingering food. This keeps bacteria at bay and helps maintain fresh breath throughout the holiday season!
Clear Aligner Care: Prevent Misplacement or Damage
Clear aligners are flexible and convenient, but they can get lost or damaged in the holiday rush. Here is how to keep them safe:
- Safe Storage During Meals
With so much excitement, it’s easy to misplace your aligners. Always have your case handy and use it whenever you take your aligners out to avoid loss or accidental damage. - Avoid Heat Damage
Cozy indoor heating and bustling kitchens can expose aligners to heat, which can warp them. Keep them safe in their case whenever they are not in use to maintain the right fit.
Clear Aligner Hygiene Tips During the Holidays
Aligners make it easier to enjoy holiday feasts but keeping them clean is still essential to prevent staining and odor. Here is how:
- Clean Your Aligners Twice Daily: Gently brush your aligners in the morning and evening using a soft brush. Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch or discolor the material.
- Rinse Aligners Before Reinserting: After enjoying holiday foods, rinse your aligners under cold water before putting them back in to keep them fresh and avoid trapping food particles.
- Avoid Sugary and Colored Drinks: Hot cocoa or cranberry juice can stain your aligners. Stick to water when your aligners are in to keep them clear and odor-free.
Soothe Soreness for Braces & Aligners
A bit of soreness is common with braces or when switching to a new set of aligners. Here are ways to manage any discomfort:
- For braces: Apply orthodontic wax to areas that are causing irritation, and rinse with warm salt water to reduce soreness and keep your mouth clean.
- For aligners: Choose softer holiday foods, like mashed potatoes and stuffing, to avoid extra pressure on sensitive teeth. Rinsing with cold water can also help soothe any discomfort.
Plan Ahead & Contact Orthodontic Specialists for Help
Thinking ahead can help make sure your Thanksgiving holiday goes smoothly, keeping you focused on enjoying family time and delicious food! If any issues come up, do not hesitate to contact Orthodontic Specialists—we are here to keep your smile merry and bright through Thanksgiving and beyond.
Thanksgiving Trivia!
Did you know that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for pizza deliveries in the U.S.? With all the cooking planned for the big meal, many families take a break the night before, making pizza a pre-Thanksgiving favorite!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Orthodontic Specialists!
