The holiday season is full of travel, festive foods, and time spent with family and friends. However, it can also be a challenging stretch for orthodontic patients. With busy schedules and tempting treats, it’s easy for a bracket to pop off or a wire to start poking at the worst possible moment.
At Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics in Rochester Hills, we want your smile (and your holidays) to be stress-free. Here’s your guide to avoiding common orthodontic mishaps, plus what to do if an emergency does happen.
Common Holiday Orthodontic Emergencies
While true emergencies are rare, the holidays tend to bring a spike in minor orthodontic issues, such as:
- Broken Brackets
Sticky candies, hard nuts, and crunchy snacks are everywhere this time of year. These foods can pull or snap brackets loose, especially for patients wearing traditional metal braces or ceramic braces.
- Poking or Shifted Wires
Sudden temperature changes, hard bites, or bracket disruptions can cause wires to slip or poke the cheeks and gums. This is one of the most common orthodontic emergencies in Rochester Hills this time of year.
- Lost or Damaged Aligners
Travel + busy schedules = an easy opportunity to misplace aligners. Patients using Invisalign or other clear aligners can accidentally toss them in a napkin or leave them behind during gatherings.
- Soreness After Hard Foods
Cold-weather treats like brittle, candy canes, and toffee are notoriously tough on orthodontic appliances, especially during clear aligner therapy or early tooth-movement stages.
How to Avoid Orthodontic Emergencies This Season
- Be Mindful of Holiday Foods
Try to avoid:
- Sticky sweets (caramels, taffy)
- Hard candy (candy canes, peppermints)
- Nuts
- Hard bread crusts
- Ice cubes
Better choices include:
- Soft cookies, brownies
- Cheese boards
- Mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles
- Soft chocolates
- Don’t Skip Your Routine
With travel and celebrations, it’s easy to slip out of your oral-care habits. Stay consistent with:
- Brushing after meals
- Flossing daily
- Using interproximal brushes
- Wearing elastics as instructed
Your teeth and appliances need consistent care, especially when sugary holiday treats are everywhere.
- Pack an Orthodontic Travel Kit
If you’re heading out of town, prepare a small kit with:
- Orthodontic wax
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss or floss threaders
- Elastic bands
- Aligner case
- A small mirror
- Travel-sized fluoride rinse
A simple kit helps prevent minor discomfort from turning into a full emergency.
- Don’t Overindulge in Cold Foods
Ice-cold drinks and frozen treats can heighten tooth sensitivity, especially if you’re already sore from braces or aligner trays.
What to Do if an Emergency Happens During the Holidays
- Broken Bracket
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and use wax to keep it from rubbing.
If it’s completely loose, store it in a small bag and bring it to your next visit. Avoid hard foods until it’s repaired.
- Poking Wire
Try using the eraser end of a pencil or the back of a spoon to gently push it flat.
Cover the area with orthodontic wax. Contact us if the pain continues, many cases can be fixed quickly in-office.
- Lost or Damaged Aligner
Wear your previous aligner to maintain tooth position and prevent shifting. Contact us to reorder or determine whether you should move forward to the next tray.
- Severe Pain, Swelling, or Injury
While rare, these issues require prompt care:
- Trauma to the mouth or teeth
- Significant bleeding
- Pain not relieved by wax or warm saltwater rinses
Call our office immediately, or urgent care, if needed.
When You Should Contact Daia Orthodontics
Reach out if:
- A wire or bracket is causing ongoing pain
- You’ve lost multiple aligners
- You notice unusual swelling or inflammation
- You’re unsure whether something is normal
Even during the holidays, our Rochester Hills orthodontic team is here to help. Many issues can be resolved with a quick visit or clear instructions over the phone.
Enjoy the Holidays With a Stress-Free Smile
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to put a damper on your celebrations. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy your favorite traditions while keeping your braces, aligners, and orthodontic treatment on track.
If you run into trouble or have questions, Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics is always here to help.
Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and bracket-friendly holiday season!
