The holidays are quickly approaching! During this season of giving, many struggle to find ideas on how to show someone they care. From elaborate gifts to cookie baking marathons, everyone has their own way to give back during the holidays. At Smith Orthodontics, we have some other ideas this holiday season. A healthy smile means more than just looking good. A healthy smile means a healthy body and more self confidence. So this holiday season, give yourself or someone you love a healthy smile.
Beginning Orthodontic Treatment
If you or someone you love suffers from orthodontic issues that make it difficult to chew or speak, create discomfort or self-confidence issues, or get in the way of enjoying everyday life, now is the perfect time to start treatment. It’s never too late to start taking care of your smile! You’re important and your comfort and confidence are important too.
With orthodontic treatment, you’re able to take control of your dental problems and start looking forward to enjoying a healthy smile for life. Even if your teeth aren’t giving you trouble but they’re misaligned, caring for them can be a challenge. Braces or Invisalign can straighten the teeth that are crooked and properly space the ones that are crowded to make brushing and flossing easier and more effective.
Getting the Most Out of Orthodontic Treatment
The holidays can bring a lot of temptation, especially with all of the goodies in the form of sugary cakes, cookies and candy. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to enjoy certain foods in moderation, and if you have braces, it’s best to avoid the following:
- Peanut brittle
- Candy canes
- Fudge
Sticky, chewy, or hard foods full of sugar just don’t mesh well with braces. In fact, these types of foods don’t mesh well with any smile, so even if you aren’t undergoing treatment with braces, limiting these foods is important.
It’s a good idea to make sure you’re providing options at your holiday festivities for those with braces. Foods that are perfect this holiday season include:
- Hot cocoa (with some marshmallows)
- Soft sugar cookies
- Ice cream
These sweet treats are safer to enjoy if you have braces, because let’s face it…the last thing you want to worry about this holiday season is damaging your braces. Just be sure to brush and floss after enjoying these treats.
Having Holiday Fun with Braces
Let’s not forget the most important part of the holidays—spreading holiday cheer! If you have braces, one of the best ways to show your festive spirit is by opting for holiday colors for your elastics. You may even want to create some care packages for others with braces that include some easy-to-eat holiday goodies and maybe a travel toothbrush and toothpaste kit.
When it comes to the holidays, enjoying them while you’re going through orthodontic treatment is a breeze, and if you’re considering starting treatment, there’s no better time to start. After all, you may have a break in your schedule to visit your orthodontist and get started with treatment. No matter which way you look at it, the holidays are the perfect time to get that healthy smile you deserve.
