Since special occasions typically involve lots of smiling and lots of food, upcoming invitations can feel a little overwhelming when you have braces. Here, review dentist-approved tips for navigating assorted events with aligners. They make it easy to keep smiling and focus on having fun instead of what’s happening with your mouth.

How to Enjoy Special Occasions With Braces

1. Remember What Foods Are Off Limits

Avoid crunchy, hard, chewy, and sugary foods that can damage the brackets if you have metal or ceramic braces. Even if you use Invisalign® and take the aligners out before eating, it is a good idea to limit your intake of sugary foods and simple carbs. Both are mouth bacteria favorites that contribute to acid and plaque formation.

2. Bring Orthodontic Wax With You

Keep orthodontic wax accessible, especially if your event requires several days of travel. Orthodontic wax provides a temporary remedy for loose wires and brackets until you can see your dentist, as they prevent wires from rubbing your gum tissue and causing irritation.

3. Check Your Braces After Eating

Visit the restroom once you are finished with each meal to check your braces for food particles. Gently brush your teeth with a travel toothbrush as necessary to remove any accumulated plaque. In addition to a travel toothbrush and orthodontic wax, consider bringing a small bottle of mouthwash with you to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

4. Remember to Rinse

Sip water throughout every event to not only stay hydrated but to also flush food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Swish the liquid through your teeth in a discreet manner if you believe a particle has lodged itself in your braces and you cannot get to a restroom quickly. 

Athens Family Dental provides metal, ceramic, and Invisalign braces to residents throughout Athens, GA. The family dentists are known for their dedication to the highest standard of patient care, providing same-day crowns, ZOOM! Whitening, and sleep appliances in addition to aligners. Call the practice that has served the region for 25 years today at (706) 548-3279 to make an appointment or visit the dentists online for more information. Get the latest dental health advice on Facebook.