How to Survive the Holidays with Braces & Invisalign

Keep the most wonderful time of the year, the most wonderful time of year. 

It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the holiday cheer, as the fireplace burns on and family gathers around; the holidays are completely intoxicating. Good vibrations, good people and of course — good ole’ holiday food.  But we all know when you have braces, you need to be careful with what you eat. 

As tempting as that fruitcake is or how marvellous that peanut brittle looks, unless you want a broken bracket, it’s best to stay away. 

We know how tempting everything can be and that’s exactly why we compiled a quick list of tips and tricks to keep you holidays merry and joyful! 

Tip One: Brace yourself beforehand
Being prepared is the first tip, when it comes to the holidays we all can get a little scatterbrained with everything going on. That’s why it’s so key to be prepared BEFORE you leave your place. Have everything you may or may not need just in case of anything. Just because you’re on holiday mode, doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is too. 

Things to pack in your bag, purse, sleigh or whatever you’re toting around:
For braces: 

• A travel-sized toothbrush 
• A travel-sized toothpaste (or you could swipe some of your host’s as well) 
• Floss or your flosser 
• Dental wax 
• Your elastics (we all know how important they are so pack extra too!)

For Invisalign or Clear retainers: 

• YOUR ALIGNER CASE (Seriously, don’t put them in napkins or on the table. Case em’) 
• A travel-sized toothbrush 
• A travel-sized toothpaste (or again, swipe a little from your host) 
• Floss (who would want something caught in their teeth) 

Tip Two: Don’t risk it for the biscuit
If your contemplating eating foods that could break your brackets (you know what we mean, hard or sticky foods) it’s probably best to stay away. Breaking a bracket over the holiday is a pain at any point in the year but more so now since orthodontic clinics have limited hours. 

Always remember to take small bites, cut food into smaller pieces and to remember: if you have to contemplate it, don’t plate it.

Tip Three: All we want for the holidays is for you to floss
Don’t forget to floss in between meals and under your braces as well. The holidays are always filled with wonderful food that can potentially get stuck in and under your braces. Flossing is your best bet to prevent any cavities and keep your mouth happy and healthy for the whole holiday season. 

Lastly, remember to stick to your treatment plan
You’re on a journey to a beautiful new smile, you don’t want to risk all your progress for nothing.

It’s important to follow all instructions given to you by your orthodontist. If they said to wear elastics, you got to wear them. If they said you need your Invisalign or clear retainers in for 22 hours a day, you got to keep them in for 22 hours a day. 

These instructions aren’t given to you just to make your life hard, they’re there to ensure your treatment progresses on time and gives you the best results possible.

Don’t get too caught up in the moment and end up prolonging you treatment, be nice not naughty to your orthodontic treatment! 

Happy holidays everyone!