The holiday season is upon us! Children of all ages are looking forward to sweet treats, toys, and travel. Keep on reading for tips on keeping your orthodontic treatment on track during the celebrations of the season.
Sweets
Don’t let sugar be the Grinch by giving you the unwanted gift of cavities! Make your toothbrush your BFF. If you have an appliance, such as an expander, it might be a little extra work to keep things clean, but totally worth it. It’s also important to brush before putting your Invisalign clear aligners or clear retainers back on your teeth so as not to trap those sugars underneath them. It is important to stay away from hard or sticky treats to prevent broken brackets and appliances. This way you will avoid discomfort, delays in orthodontic treatment and having to schedule additional appointments.
Traveling
Are you taking to the road (or skies) this season? Make sure to let us know early on if your appointment will conflict with your travel plans so that we can reschedule you within a reasonable time. Also, don’t forget to ask for enough elastics and to pack them along with your other oral care items. Keeping everything together in a zip pouch and in the same place will make it easier for you to reach for these items and keep your treatment on track and a sparkle in your smile.
Emergencies
Despite excellent planning and care, emergencies can potentially arise. Broken brackets and loose appliances can be a bother but rarely pose a serious problem. Visit our Emergency Care page to view easy troubleshooting tips. If you lose your Invisalign aligners, try your next set. If they are not an easy fit, then you can return to the previous set then contact us for further instructions. Wearing something is better than not wearing anything at all. If you are in retainers, it is very likely your bite has settled. However, it is still important to call or text our office if you have lost your retainers so that you can obtain a new set and protect your smile investment.
We wish all of our patients happy smiles and many wonderful memories during this busy time of the year!
