With the school year in its final stretch, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the summer months ahead. We’ve put together this guide to help you enjoy a fun-filled start to summer while undergoing orthodontic treatment!
Consider summer treatment:
One thing you may not realize is that the summer is an excellent time to begin transforming your smile! Once school officially ends, children and parents will have a lot more free time on their hands. This means that it becomes easier to transition into a new dental hygiene routine, keep up with orthodontic appointments, and establish healthy food and drink habits. Parents may also be better able to encourage and correct children if they are slacking off on healthy habits.
Summery foods and drinks to avoid:
When you have braces, you must follow some dietary restrictions to ensure an effective, safe, and healthy treatment. At a backyard barbecue? Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods, such as corn on the cob, meat on the bone, or chewy bread. During the fun summer months, you may crave something sweet—just avoid hard, chewy, or majorly acidic candies as well as gum. For a summer treat, we do recommend seasonal fruits, like seedless watermelon or soft ice cream. Remember, limit the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume. Proper oral hygiene is harder to maintain with braces, which means that you are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
Traveling with braces:
With more people vaccinated and travel plans resuming, you may be eager to get away in the upcoming summer months. Just remember that braces and aligners require visits to the office for adjustments, appointments, and new appliances. Traveling with orthodontics is completely safe—just be sure to not miss any of the required appointments. While traveling, be prepared with your oral hygiene kit. Carrying dental floss, bringing along your previous set of aligners, and packing a water bottle are musts! Remember to bring wax to ease any discomfort if it arises. As always, be extra careful of what you eat. If you are away, you may not be able to see us immediately if you damage your braces!
Fun color combinations for the season ahead:
Who says braces aren’t fun to wear? While you wait for summer, get a brightly colored smile to show off your excitement. Some of our favorite seasonal color combos include:
- Teal and pink
- Blue and purple
- Yellow and red
Pick a color combination that reflects you and be the center of attention as we head into summer!
Book your appointment today
Have any questions? Ready to start orthodontic treatment? Call us today to speak with our team. Or visit our website to begin your virtual consultation today!