For some people, summer is sacrosanct. It’s sun and vacation and relaxation and nothing else – no appointments or obligations. For others, this is the time to get things done or, in the case of braces, to get things started. Whether teen or adult, conventional braces or Invisalign, orthodontics do not have to interfere with whatever you have planned for the warmest months of the year.
Enjoy the Yummy Stuff
Summer is often bookended and punctuated with fairs, amusement parks, cruises, and travel to new places. Whether your activity of choice is chaotic, casual, or formal, food is likely to be involved. Here’s why orthodontics won’t get in the way:
- If you wear Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want if your tender teeth can manage it. There are no food restrictions. Just remove your aligners before eating and brush your teeth before the two come back together.
- If you wear conventional braces, there are limitations on chewy, crunchy, and hard treats so stay away from candy apples, nuts, popcorn, gummies, and anything that could pull brackets and wires. Enjoy ice cream, smoothies, soft desserts, and pasta.
Travel Made Easy
You don’t have to stay home this summer just because you now see an orthodontist. You have just as much freedom as always, but it is necessary to take a few precautions before any big travel.
- Pack a travel bag of orthodontic supplies no matter where you’re going or for how long. This includes orthodontic wax, extra trays, an aligner case, and all oral hygiene items.
- Consult with your orthodontist about lengthy travel so they can provide all the upcoming trays needed in your treatment to continue the work of aligning your teeth while away from home.
- Maintain good habits no matter what. That includes brushing and flossing, cleaning trays, and changing trays as instructed. Travel is just life in another place, and orthodontics are temporarily part of your lifestyle.
Savor Sweet Downtime
If summer fun is all about sitting on the porch with a book, lemonade, and your favorite people or pets, braces care will be just as easy and low-key. If you start your braces at the beginning of summer, use downtime to get used to the change and create a manageable routine that is simple to maintain at work, in school, or wherever else you find yourself most of the time outside summer months.
- Figure out the best brushing techniques for your orthodontics.
- Invest in a few bags of all orthodontic supplies and stash them in convenient places.
- Get used to your new look with braces or Invisalign in place.
Anyone who wants straight teeth and ends up starting orthodontics in the summer is grateful for the opportunity to test drive their new hardware privately. You know your preferences for attention or discretion, now it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Soleil at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA, to find out whether you’re a good candidate for braces or Invisalign.