The festive season is full of family meals, sweet treats and last-minute plans. It is also a time when routines can slip. If you are wearing Invisalign^® aligners or fixed braces, a few small habits will keep your treatment on track while you enjoy every celebration. Here are practical, Specialist Orthodontist-approved tips for eating, travelling and socialising with confidence this Christmas.

Everyday care that keeps treatment on track

• Keep your kit with you. Pack a small pouch with a travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, interdental brushes, floss or a threader, orthodontic wax, lip balm and a compact mirror. Invisalign^® patients should include a labelled aligner case and cleaning crystals or fragrance-free soap.
• Rinse, then brush. After eating, rinse with water, then brush and floss before reinserting Invisalign^® aligners. For fixed braces, brush carefully around brackets and gums, and use interdental brushes under the wire.
• Count your hours. Invisalign^® requires 20-22 hours of daily wear. Set a phone timer during meals to avoid losing track.
• Use wax for comfort. If brackets or wires rub, dry the area and apply orthodontic wax. Contact your clinic if a wire is poking - never cut it yourself.
• Log issues quickly. Use the Dental Monitoring app or call your clinic if you lose an aligner or break a bracket.

Festive foods you can enjoy, and what to avoid

A little planning helps you enjoy the holidays without damaging your braces or aligners.

Good choices for everyone

• Soft desserts like trifle, cheesecake, Yule log, panna cotta and custard
• Tender meats cut into small pieces, mashed potatoes, soft veg and pasta bakes
• Mince pies or stollen (warm, small bites, aligners removed and followed by brushing)

Avoid with fixed braces

• Hard or sticky treats like toffees, caramels, nuts, brittle, candy canes, and crusty bread
• Whole apples, raw carrots, pork crackling or ribs on the bone—cut into small bites and chew with back teeth if necessary

Avoid staining with Invisalign^®

• Always remove aligners for anything besides water
• Avoid drinking mulled wine, curry sauces or spiced teas with aligners in
• Rinse and brush before reinserting aligners after coloured drinks or sauces

Sugar smart tips

• Stick to treats at mealtimes
• End meals with cheese or water to neutralise acids before brushing

Party proof your oral routine

Late nights are no excuse to skip care:

• Brush before going out and pack your care kit
• Take a two-minute bathroom break to rinse and brush
• Store aligners safely in a labelled case (never in a napkin)
• Drink water between festive drinks to reduce staining and sugar

Travelling for Christmas

Plan ahead for smooth travel with braces or Invisalign^®:

• Pack your current, previous and next set of aligners in hand luggage
• Bring compact dental tools like a fold-up brush and flossers
• Set a reminder for your change day
• Save the number for your nearest Queensway Orthodontics clinic

Cleaning routines that work when you are busy

Invisalign^® aligners:

• Clean twice daily with lukewarm water and a soft brush
• Use mild soap or cleaning crystals weekly
• Avoid hot water and coloured or whitening products

Fixed braces:

• Brush for two minutes after every meal
• Use fluoride toothpaste and a daily fluoride mouthwash
• Angle your brush at 45° to brackets and use interdental brushes

Nightly reset:

• Rinse, brush, floss, check for food and insert clean aligners or elastics
• Wash your aligner case daily and let it dry fully

What to do if something goes wrong

• Lost Invisalign^® tray: Check pockets and bins. Wear the previous set and contact your clinic.
• Loose bracket or wire: Use wax and avoid hard foods. Contact your clinic - no DIY fixes.
• Staining: Brush thoroughly, use daily fluoride mouthwash and limit coloured drinks. Attachments can be polished if needed.

Support for families and younger patients

School holidays are a good time to start or adjust treatment. Our Specialist Orthodontists offer flexible plans and remote check-ins with Dental Monitoring for busy families.

When to reach out

If you're unsure about a food, sore spot or lost tray, contact us. Your closest Queensway Orthodontics clinic is here to help.

Final festive takeaways

• Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods with braces
• Remove Invisalign^® aligners to eat or drink anything but water
• Keep a care kit and timer on hand
• Stay consistent with brushing and aligner wear
• Travel prepared with backups and a clean case

Want support or thinking of starting Invisalign^® in the New Year? Book a free video consultation with our North East team and we will help you plan a confident, healthy smile.

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