Thanksgiving is a season of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious meals. While it is a time to celebrate, holiday foods and travel plans can pose risks to patients wearing braces and clear aligners. Here is how to keep your orthodontic treatment on track throughout the festivities, whether you have braces or aligners. (Don’t miss our fun trivia at the end of this blog!)
Protecting Braces During Holiday Meals
Holiday treats like caramel, nuts, and crunchy snacks can sometimes lead to broken brackets or wires. It is best to avoid these types of food. But, if you find yourself with a broken brace, here’s what to do:
- Loose Bracket
Use tweezers to position a loose bracket comfortably along the wire and cover it with wax to prevent rubbing. Contact us after the holiday for a quick repair. - Broken or Protruding Wire
Trim sharp wires carefully with sanitized nail clippers if they are poking your cheek. Wax can also cover sharp edges, temporarily relieving you until your next appointment. - Bent Wire
Hard foods like crusty bread or tough meat can bend your wires. Contact us if you notice any alignment issues with your braces’ wire.
Clear Aligner Care: Avoid Misplacement or Damage
Clear aligners may not break like braces, but they can get lost or damaged—especially with the added holiday hustle. Here are some quick tips to keep your aligners safe:
Safe Storage During Meals
With all the delicious holiday foods and fun, you may get distracted about where you placed your aligners. Keep it simple, and always keep your case handy! When you remove your aligners, store them in their case to prevent misplacement or accidental damage.
Avoid Heat Damage
Indoor heaters and warm ovens during holiday gatherings can cause aligners to warp if left nearby. Be mindful to keep your aligners away from heaters and hot surfaces in the kitchen and always store them in their case during meals. Following these tips will help preserve their shape and ensure they comfortably fit when you are ready to put them back on.
Soothe Soreness for Braces & Aligners
Braces can sometimes cause irritation or soreness, especially after adjustments. To help, apply orthodontic wax to any brackets or wires that may be rubbing against the inside of your mouth. Rinsing with salt water can also provide soothing relief, helping to keep tender areas clean and comfortable.
Switching to a new set of aligners often brings slight soreness as teeth shift into their new position. To ease this, try opting for softer holiday foods, like mashed potatoes and stuffing, to minimize pressure on sensitive teeth. Cold water rinses can also reduce discomfort.
Plan Ahead & Contact Cobb Orthodontics for Assistance
Planning ahead for your orthodontic needs will help ensure a smooth holiday season. Keep your braces and aligners in top shape, and if any issues arise, contact Cobb Orthodontics for a quick fix. We are here to keep your smile festive and bright throughout the holiday season.
Fun Thanksgiving Trivia!
Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday 161 years ago in 1863? It is a time for traditions, tasty food, and family gatherings—just remember to choose foods that are tooth- and braces-friendly to keep your smile in shape!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Cobb Orthodontics!
Greensboro Office
Phone:
(336) 299-6788
Randleman Office
Phone:
(336) 498-4027
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