Dec 19, 2025

Holiday Smiles: How To Care For Braces And Aligners Over Summer

Queensland summer means road trips, beach days, mangoes, and plenty of family time. It also means a few extra things to think about if you or your child is in braces or wearing aligners. With a little planning, you can keep treatment on track, avoid avoidable mishaps, and still enjoy all the fun of the holidays. Here is your easy summer guide, written for busy families who want simple, practical tips.

Daily care made simple while you are away

Consistency keeps teeth moving the right way and gums healthy. Build these small habits into your holiday routine:

• Brush morning and night, and after sweet or sticky treats when possible. Pack a travel toothbrush, small toothpaste, and floss or flossers in every day bag.
• Rinse well if you cannot brush straight away. A quick water rinse reduces sugar and acid on teeth.
• For braces: carry orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges from a bracket or wire. A small mirror helps you check any irritation.
• For aligners: wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out to eat, rinse before putting them back in, and store them in their case, not a napkin.

What to pack in your summer orthodontic kit

Create one small kit per family member in treatment, then toss it in the beach bag or glove box:

• Travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss or floss threaders, interdental brush
• Orthodontic wax, compact mirror, lip balm with SPF
• For braces: a few elastics if you use them
• For aligners: your current set, the next set if you are due to change during the trip, your aligner case, chewies, and cleaning tablets or mild soap

Tip: If you are flying, keep your kit in your carry on. Luggage can wander, but your treatment should not.

Summer foods that play nice with braces and aligners

You can still enjoy festive food, you just need a little strategy.

Braces friendly foods:

Soft fruits like ripe mango, watermelon, and kiwi, corn off the cob, BBQ meats cut into bite sized pieces, sushi, quiche, yoghurt, soft rolls, and pavlova without hard toffee or nuts.

Foods to avoid with braces:

Hard lollies, toffees, caramels, nut brittles, crusty bread you have to tear, whole apples or carrots (slice them), corn on the cob (cut it off), popcorn kernels, and ice chewing.

With aligners:

Remove aligners to eat and drink anything except water. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and coloured or sugary drinks can stain or trap sugar under the aligner. Enjoy your treats, then brush or at least rinse before putting aligners back in.

Holiday hack:

Build a simple plate, soft first. If it needs sawing, cracking, or a big bite, it probably is not braces friendly.

Beach, pool, and sport tips

• Hydration matters: Dry lips and cheeks can rub more on new braces, so drink water often and use SPF lip balm.
• For contact or ball sports: Wear a mouthguard designed for braces, even in social games. With aligners, remove them for play and store safely, then put them back in as soon as you are off the field.
• Sun and heat: Do not leave aligners in a hot car or in direct sun. They can warp. Keep them in their case and in the shade.

Travel timing and aligner changes

If your aligner change date falls during your trip:

• Confirm your switching schedule before you go. Do not rush to a new set early unless your Specialist Orthodontist has advised it.
• Pack your next set and one previous set. If a new set feels wrong, you can step back for a few days.
• Set a phone reminder for change day so holiday mode does not throw you off.

What to do if something goes wrong

Even with care, little hiccups happen. Here is a calm plan for common issues:

• Poking wire: Place wax over the area to cushion it. If comfortable, you can trim a tiny protruding ligature with clean nail clippers, then contact us for advice.
• Loose bracket: If it is still on the wire, cover with wax and avoid hard foods. Keep everything in place until we can see you.
• Lost elastic chain or broken elastic: Note the day it happened and call us. Most situations are not urgent, but timing matters.
• Sore spots or ulcers: Rinse with warm salt water, apply orthodontic wax, and use a topical ulcer gel as directed.
• Lost or cracked aligner: If you cannot reach us quickly, wear the previous set to hold progress rather than going without.
• Aligner feels warped from heat: Switch back to your previous set and contact us so we can organise a replacement if needed.
• Trauma or a knocked tooth: This is urgent. Seek dental or medical assessment promptly, then contact our team so we can coordinate care.

Remember, you are not on your own between appointments. The SmileStyle team is happy to help, even if you are interstate or up the coast.

Keeping treatment on track during long breaks

The holidays often stretch between visits. These small checks keep everything moving:

• Elastics: Stick with your wear schedule and pack extras.
• Retainers: If you have finished treatment, wear retainers as instructed and travel with your case.
• Photos: If something changes while you are away, take a quick photo and send it through when you contact us.

How SmileStyle supports you over summer

Families choose us for friendly care and clear guidance. During holidays, that support continues with:

• Practical travel checklists for braces and aligners
• Advice over the phone or by message for minor emergencies
• Quick appointments when you are back, with coordination across Capalaba and Loganholme

If you are planning treatment around the school break, our team can also chat about clear aligners like Invisalign^® and Spark, or discreet options such as lingual braces.

Your summer, your smile

With a small kit, a few food swaps, and a plan for the what ifs, you can enjoy the Queensland holidays without missing a beat in your treatment. If you need a hand or quick advice, the SmileStyle team is here to help.

Ready for calm, confident summer care or curious about Invisalign^® and other options? Reach out to our friendly team at SmileStyle Orthodontics. If you are looking for an experienced orthodontist in Brisbane, we are local and ready to support you.