Dec 22, 2025

Surviving Orthodontic Treatment During the Festive Summer

Summer in Sydney is packed with catch-ups, barbecues and long days outdoors. If you are wearing braces or clear aligners, you can enjoy it all with a few smart tweaks. This guide covers what to eat, how to keep everything clean on the go, what to do in an emergency while travelling, and simple ways to stay motivated through the festive rush.

Festive foods to avoid, and easy swaps to enjoy

Sticky, chewy and very hard foods are the main culprits for broken brackets or bent wires. They can also crack or distort aligners. Keep these off your plate:

• Hard lollies, toffees and caramels
• Chewy sweets like snakes and chewy mints
• Nuts, pork crackling, crackling-style crisps and ice cubes
• Corn on the cob, whole apples and crusty bread rolls
• Meat on the bone if it encourages biting with your front teeth

Simple swaps make a big difference:

• Cut firm foods into small, bite-size pieces and chew with your back teeth
• Enjoy soft summer favourites like yoghurt, pavlova without hard nuts, soft cheeses, ripe stone fruit slices and tender BBQ meats off the bone
• Choose seedless bread or softer wraps over crusty baguettes
• If you wear aligners, remove them to eat, store them in a case, and brush before putting them back in

Alcohol and sugary drinks can feed plaque and stain elastics. If you indulge, rinse with water straight after, then brush as soon as you can.

Keeping braces and aligners clean at parties and on holidays

A pocket-size kit will save your smile during long days out. Pack:

• Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires
• Floss threaders or a compact flosser
• Orthodontic wax for rubbing brackets or poking wires
• A sturdy aligner case - never wrap aligners in a serviette
• Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets, and a small bottle for cold soaks

Quick hygiene routines that work anywhere:

• Braces: Rinse with water, dislodge food with an interdental brush, then brush for two minutes when you can.
• Aligners: Remove to eat and drink anything except water, brush your teeth before reinsertion, and rinse aligners with cool water. Avoid hot water which can warp plastic.
• At the beach or park: If brushing is not possible, rinse well with water or chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes, then brush at the first opportunity.

Enjoying summer treats without harming your treatment

You do not need to skip dessert or BBQ season. Use these strategies:

• Choose brace-friendly textures like mousse, jelly, custard, pavlova without hard toppings, soft fruits and ice cream without hard mix-ins
• Plate smarter - slice apples or carrots thinly, take corn off the cob, choose boneless meats
• Time sweets with meals, as saliva flow helps buffer acids and sugars
• Hydrate with water between courses to rinse your mouth
• With aligners, keep wear time above 20 to 22 hours per day. Set a phone timer when you remove them so they do not sit out too long

Handling orthodontic issues while away from home

Most holiday hiccups can be managed temporarily until you return or we see you.

Common issues and quick fixes:

• Sore spot from a bracket or wire: Dry the area and place orthodontic wax over it
• Poking wire: Cover with wax. If very long and you feel confident, a clean, small nail clipper can trim a millimetre. Call us for guidance first
• Loose bracket: Leave it in place if it is comfortable, cover with wax, avoid sticky or hard foods, and contact us to schedule a repair
• Lost or cracked aligner: Switch to the next aligner if it fits well. If it does not, return to the previous one and contact us. Keep all aligners safe when travelling

If you are local and need help:

• During business hours, call (02) 9540 5888
• After hours, call 9450 5888 and follow voicemail instructions
• Email photos if requested to help us triage and advise next steps

Severe pain, facial swelling or trauma requires urgent care. Seek immediate dental or medical attention, then update us.

Staying motivated through the festive period

Consistency is everything. These tips keep you on track without feeling restricted:

• Set small goals, like perfect wear time this week or a daily floss streak
• Use reminders - phone alarms to reinsert aligners after meals and to brush before bed
• Keep spares - stash a second hygiene kit in your beach bag or car
• Track progress - take a smile photo every fortnight and celebrate the changes you see
• Plan your appointments - book ahead to avoid holiday clashes and keep momentum

If you prefer a lower-profile option for summer photos and events, ask us about ceramic brackets or clear aligners at your next visit. Our Specialist Orthodontist team can walk you through options including Invisalign^® and 3D braces to match your lifestyle.

Travel checklist before you go

• Extra elastics, wax and interdental brushes
• Travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Two aligner cases - one always as backup
• Next set of aligners plus the previous set
• Pain relief you know suits you
• Our contact details and your appointment dates

Pack these in carry-on luggage if you are flying, not in checked bags.

When to call your orthodontist

Reach out if you have:

• Persistent pain not relieved by wax and over-the-counter pain relief
• A broken bracket or wire you cannot cover or that is causing cuts
• Lost or ill-fitting aligners that affect wear time
• Any swelling, fever or signs of infection

We are here to help with personalised advice and fast fixes so your summer stays on track.

Your festive smile, sorted

With a little planning, you can enjoy sunny celebrations and keep your treatment moving. Choose brace-friendly textures, clean as you go, and carry a simple kit. If anything feels off, contact us early so small issues do not derail progress.

Thinking about a more discreet look this summer? Learn about clear braces or explore aligner options with our specialist team. For local care with friendly support, you can count on Mysmile Orthodontics across the Sutherland Shire. Book your free consultation to get tailored advice and a plan that suits your season.