Braces-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

1. Wear Your Aligners Consistently

Clear aligners only work when they’re worn consistently. The holidays can easily disrupt routines, especially when you’re traveling or hopping between events. Try setting reminders on your phone or keeping a small case in your pocket or bag to avoid forgetting them. The goal is to wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day, even during busy celebrations. Staying disciplined ensures you avoid delays in your treatment.

2. Remove Aligners for Drinks and Meals

Aside from water, it’s important to remove your orthodontic aligners before consuming holiday foods or beverages. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and colorful or sugary dishes can stain the trays. Always store your aligners in their case—not in a napkin or pocket—to avoid accidentally throwing them away during gatherings. After eating, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to keep both your trays and your smile clean.

3. Pack a Travel-Friendly Cleaning Kit

Holiday travel often means long flights, car rides, or overnight stays with friends or family. Packing a small aligner care kit can make a big difference.

Consider including:

• A travel toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss or interdental picks
• A compact case for your aligners
• A small bottle of mouth rinse or water for quick cleanings

This makes caring for your clear dental aligners simple and stress-free no matter where the holidays take you.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

With all the festive foods and drinks available, it’s easy to forget the importance of hydration. Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles, reduces dry mouth, and supports clear, comfortable aligner wear. Water is also the only beverage safe to drink while wearing your trays. Sipping water throughout the day helps keep your mouth fresh and reduces the chance of bacteria buildup under the aligners.

5. Don’t Skip Wearing Aligners on Busy Days

Holiday parties and family gatherings sometimes tempt patients to leave their clear aligners out longer than they should. However, skipping wear time (even occasionally) can lead to discomfort when you try to resume treatment and may slow down your progress. If you anticipate a busy evening, bring your case with you so the aligners stay safe and accessible. A little consistency goes a long way toward keeping your smile on schedule.