2 Holiday Tips For Your Hardware

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are in the middle of the holiday season. This time of year is special to many of us. We spend time with family and friends, attend parties, and participate in the festivities. While we encourage our patients to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest, it’s important to remember to care for your orthodontic hardware to avoid damage or a delay in your treatment plan. Read on to learn more about navigating the holiday season while receiving orthodontic care.

Navigating the Holiday Season While Receiving Orthodontic Care

This is a special time of year. If you are receiving orthodontic care, we don’t want you to feel bad about things that you may have to say no to this year. It is important to remember that receiving orthodontic treatment is temporary, and soon enough you will be able to enjoy all of the things you love about the holidays. We want to share two tips to ensure your oral health and orthodontic care don’t suffer during the holiday season:

Continue to Clean Your Teeth

• It is important to continue to brush and floss your teeth as much as possible. We recommend investing in a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste. This is especially important if you are enjoying more sweets than usual. If you are wearing traditional metal braces, be extra careful, because an accumulation of sugar could lead to decay. It is also important to continue to wear your clear aligners as instructed. It can be tempting to leave your liners at home for holiday parties and events, but the less time you wear your aligners, the slower your teeth will move.

Make Wise Food Choices

• It can be tempting to eat everything you see during the holiday season, but it’s important to be mindful of any food restrictions we mentioned when you started treatment. Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. It is also a good idea to leave the candy canes for when you are no longer in treatment. There are plenty of other holiday treats that are delicious and will not damage your hardware.

If you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment or experience an emergency during your holiday celebrations, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Southfield, MI, to schedule an appointment. We hope that you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season!