Braces Summer

Are you excited about summer? We at OMG Smiles, your trusted orthodontic clinic in Waterbury, certainly are! With the warmer weather and brighter sunshine, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. But while taking a break from school or work, don't forget the importance of maintaining your braces. As experts in orthodontics, we understand how vital proper brace care is to ensure a healthy and attractive smile. That's why we've put together this article with tips on how to care for your braces during the summer.

Whether you're a child or an adult undergoing orthodontic treatment, these recommendations will help you avoid any negative impact on your braces caused by summer fun. So, if you want to make the most out of your summer without compromising your orthodontic treatment, keep reading! We'll cover everything from why brace care is essential to practical ways to care for your braces during the summer months. Trust us - your smile will thank you.

Why You Should Care for Your Braces in Summer

If you have braces, caring for them is important year-round. However, paying attention to your braces during summer is even more important. That’s because summer is a time for fun and excitement. Whether you're enjoying a staycation or traveling to a different state, neglecting your orthodontic treatment can have a negative impact on your dental health and increase the cost of aftercare.

It's easy to forget about your dental health during the rush of summer activities, but it's essential to stay on top of your brace care routine. You’re also indulging in mouthwatering treats that can also pose a risk to your braces. That's why it's crucial to prioritize your orthodontic care during this time of the year. In the next section, we will cover some important tips to note when it comes to caring for your braces during the summer season.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Braces in Summer

Maintaining braces throughout the summer takes more work, but such an effort is necessary to achieve outstanding results during your treatment. The following are some of the things to pay attention to if you have braces on during the summer season.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Summer is the season for outdoor activities and delicious treats, but if you're wearing braces, it's essential to be mindful of what you eat to avoid damaging your orthodontic installation. While it's tempting to indulge in crunchy festival foods, chewy taffy, hard sweets, and corn on the cob, these foods can get caught between your braces, shatter a wire or bracket, or even discolor aligners.

Be cautious of tough meats and sticky desserts that could harm your braces. It's also important to limit your intake of sugary candies and opt for soft fruits instead. If you're a parent, you can explain the negative effects of these foods on your child and monitor them for compliance.

Encourage your kid with braces to make mindful choices and explain how certain foods can damage their braces and increase the cost of aftercare. By doing so, you can help them understand the importance of taking care of their braces during summer.

Stay Hydrated

When taking care of your braces during the summer, one of the easiest and healthiest strategies is to drink more water. Food crumbs can easily get lodged in hard-to-reach parts of the mouth, particularly between your braces. To avoid this, a quick swish of water after meals can help wash away any remaining food particles. So, make sure to carry a water bottle with you and drink water frequently, especially between brushes or when you're on the go.

Stay Protected

In addition to drinking water, protecting your teeth and braces from accidents that could result in tissue injuries is essential. If you or your kids enjoy playing sports or engaging in any rigorous outdoor activity, wearing a mouthguard is recommended.

A specially designed orthodontic mouthguard can provide added protection to your teeth and braces, ensuring that summer activities remain enjoyable without posing a threat. This simple tip can go a long way in protecting your braces and maintaining good oral health.

Practice Healthy Oral Hygiene

To maintain good dental hygiene during the summer, it's important to remember the basics, even amidst all the fun. Whether you're heading to the beach, camping for the weekend, or staying over at a friend's house, be sure to pack a few essentials to maintain your oral well-being.

Don't forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once daily, and establish a routine for cleaning your braces that work with your summer schedule. Use the tools recommended by your orthodontist to clean your braces as directed, as proper mouth cleanliness and protection are crucial for successful post-orthodontic treatment.

Always prepare and carry an oral hygiene kit that contains all the essential items to maintain oral health while traveling. This kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, floss threaders, dental picks, orthodontic wax, mouthwash, and a tray case for Invisalign or retainer wearers.

Keep Up with Orthodontic Appointments

During your orthodontic treatment, there’s a need to monitor the progress of your treatment to ensure your teeth are moving correctly as the braces work. It’s often difficult for people to keep up with orthodontic appointments during the summer, partly because of the limited availability of the orthodontist and also because of individual routines.

Regardless, it is important that you keep up with your appointments to ensure your treatment progresses as expected. This also helps your orthodontists to identify and address issues as early as possible. This will save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.

Conclusion

In summary, caring for your braces throughout the summer is crucial to maintaining good oral health and ensuring your orthodontic treatment is successful. While it may be tempting to overindulge in mouthwatering treats and enjoyable summertime activities, you can still enjoy the season while keeping your braces safe and secure by heeding the tips given above and practicing good oral hygiene. Remember to drink plenty of water, bring a small kit for basic oral care, and keep your braces safe from harm at all times.