All About Braces: Your Guide to Orthodontic Hygiene on Summer Adventures!
Summer vacation! A time for relaxation, exploration, and creating memories that last a lifetime. But for parents with children undergoing orthodontic treatment, it can also be a time of concern. How do you maintain good oral hygiene while traveling with braces or clear aligners? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! At All About Braces, with locations in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood, Colorado, we want to ensure your child has a fun and healthy summer. Here’s our ultimate guide to travel orthodontic care, keeping those braces sparkling and those smiles shining bright!
Pre-Vacation Essentials: Maintain the Momentum Before You Go!
Preparation is key to a smooth summer with braces. Here’s how to get ahead of the game:
- Schedule a Checkup: Before hitting the road, schedule a checkup with us. We’ll ensure your child’s braces or aligners are functioning properly, address any potential issues, and answer any questions you might have.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Pack an orthodontic care kit with essentials like a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, floss (regular or floss threaders specifically for braces), orthodontic wax for irritation, and a mirror for quick checks. Consider a mouthwash for added freshness, but remember, it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
- Review Travel Plans: Discuss your travel itinerary with your child. Will you be camping, staying at a hotel, or visiting family? Knowing their environment will help them pack accordingly and anticipate potential challenges.
Braces Maintenance on the Go: Keeping Those Brackets Shiny!
Brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining oral health with braces. Here are some tips to ensure your child keeps up the good work, even while traveling:
- Brushing Basics: Remind your child to brush their teeth after every meal and snack, for at least two minutes each time. Encourage them to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, specifically designed for braces, to reach all the nooks and crannies around brackets and wires.
- Flossing Finesse: Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential for removing food particles trapped between teeth. Provide floss threaders or interdental brushes specifically designed for braces to make flossing easier.
- Hydration Hero: Pack a reusable water bottle and encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps their mouth feeling fresh.
Clear Aligner Care: Keeping Your Smile on Track
Clear aligners require slightly different care than braces. Here’s how to ensure your child keeps their aligners clean and their treatment on track:
- Cleaning Consistency: Remind your child to clean their aligners with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste (not toothpaste for sensitive teeth) before each re-insertion. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the aligners.
- Case Closed: When not in use, keep their aligners safe in their dedicated case. Leaving them exposed or wrapped in tissues can damage them or make them lose their shape.
- Wearing Schedule: Reinforce the importance of wearing their aligners for the prescribed amount of time each day, typically 22 hours. Taking them out for extended periods can slow down their treatment progress.
Food Fun with Braces or Aligners: Travel-Friendly Treats
Summer means delicious treats! Here are some braces- and aligner-friendly options to keep your child smiling:
- Go Soft: Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soft cheeses.
- Fruits & Veggies: Pack cut-up fruits and vegetables like melons, berries, and cooked carrots for healthy snacking.
- Popsicle Power: Sugar-free popsicles are a refreshing way to beat the heat.
- Beware the Bite: Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage braces or make it difficult to remove food particles from aligners. This includes popcorn, chips, nuts, hard candy, chewy candy, and raw carrots.
Emergency Orthodontic Care: Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even with the best planning, minor issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them:
- Loose Bracket/Wire: If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes your child’s cheek, apply orthodontic wax to the loose wire for temporary relief. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for repair.
- Lost Aligner: If an aligner is lost, have your child wear the previous aligner until they can see us for a replacement. Don’t attempt to use over-the-counter retainers as they won’t fit properly and can delay treatmentBack-to-School Smiles: Schedule Your Child’s Checkup Now!
Summer adventures fly by, and before you know it, school bells will be ringing again. Here’s why scheduling a checkup with All About Braces before the new school year starts is a smart move:
- Maintaining Progress: A checkup allows us to evaluate your child’s progress, ensure their braces or aligners are functioning properly, and make any necessary adjustments to keep their treatment on track.
- Healthy Habits Reinforcement: We’ll review healthy oral hygiene practices with your child, ensuring they’re fully prepared to maintain their dazzling smile throughout the school year.
- Confidence Boost: A bright, healthy smile can do wonders for a child’s confidence. Starting the school year with a smile they’re proud of can set the tone for a positive and successful year.
Contact All About Braces Today!
At All About Braces, with convenient locations in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood, Colorado, we’re committed to providing your child with exceptional orthodontic care. We understand the importance of maintaining oral hygiene during travel, and we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment today! Call us at:
- Denver Office: (303) 476-6233
- N. Aurora Office: (303) 341-5437
- Lakewood Orthodontic Office: (303) 462-1462
We wish you and your child a safe, healthy, and fun-filled summer vacation! Let’s keep those smiles shining bright!