Winter break is a time to relax — no school, less routine, and lots of holiday cheer. But for orthodontic patients, it’s also a time when small slip-ups can lead to treatment delays. Don’t worry — with a few easy habits, you can keep your smile healthy and your progress on track all season long.
Need a mid-holiday check? Book your free consultation today.
Stick to Your Routine
Even with travel, parties, and late nights, keeping up with brushing and flossing is non-negotiable.
Here’s your winter-break smile checklist:
- Brush after every meal (especially after sweets!)
- Floss or use a water flosser once a day
- Keep your aligners in their case when not in use
- Wear your elastics (if applicable)
Holiday Snacking Made Safe
You can still enjoy your favorite festive foods — just keep them bracket-safe.
Stick with soft foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, and tender meats.
Avoid:
- Hard rolls or crusty breads
- Sticky desserts like toffee or caramel
- Crunchy veggies or nuts unless softened or chopped
For aligner wearers, take them out while eating and clean your teeth before popping them back in.
What to Do If You Have an Orthodontic Emergency
A poking wire or loose bracket can happen at the worst times, if it happens:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges.
- Clip a protruding wire carefully with sanitized nail clippers.
- Call us as soon as we’re open to schedule a repair.
Your comfort matters most, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of quickly.
Schedule your complimentary consultation and start the New Year smiling. Book now.
Learn more on our Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment page, and see our Braces page for related information.