Keeping smiles happy, comfortable, and festive all season long.
The holiday season is full of treasured traditions, cozy family moments, and the kind of joyful memories that make this time of year so special. And if someone in your family is wearing braces, a few thoughtful holiday braces tips can help them stay comfortable and confident through all the festivities. Inspired by the classic 12 Days of Christmas, McDonough Orthodontics created this cheerful countdown to help your teen (or child) enjoy every moment of the season with a happy, healthy smile. Let the countdown begin!
Day 1: A Little Wax for Comfort
Orthodontic wax is a holiday lifesaver.
If a bracket rubs or a wire feels sharp, adding a small amount of wax keeps everything comfortable — especially during travel, school concerts, and evenings filled with family activities.
Day 2: Two Helpful Tools
Floss threaders + interdental brushes.
These small tools make it easier to clean around brackets and wires — especially during a season filled with treats, celebrations, and family outings.
Day 3: Three Festive Braces Colors
December appointments are the perfect time to choose cheerful colors like:
- Red & green
- Gold & white
- Icy blue & silver
These brighten up holiday photos, winter recitals, and family gatherings.
Day 4: Four Rubber Bands
Rubber bands — the bite-correcting kind — still need to be worn during the holiday break.
Sticking to your routine now helps ensure steady progress when the new year begins.
Day 5: Five Golden Tips
A few easy holiday braces tips every family can use:
- Brush after meals
- Avoid sticky sweets
- Keep extra elastics nearby
- Use wax when needed
- Rinse with water after festive treats
Day 6: Six Aligner Essentials
For clear aligner families, here’s a simple travel-ready checklist:
- Current aligner tray
- Next tray
- Previous tray (backup)
- Aligner case
- Cleaning crystals
- A travel toothbrush
These six items make holiday trips much easier.
Day 7: Seven Smile Selfies
Holiday memories are worth capturing!
Encourage your child or teen to snap a few smile selfies — it’s a great way to reflect on how much their smile has changed over the year.
Day 8: Braces-Friendly Holiday Treats
There are so many soft, delicious treats that feel festive and work beautifully with braces. Try:
- Hot cocoa
- Soft sugar cookies
- Cheesecake
- Gingerbread
- Soft rolls
- Cinnamon rolls
- Soft pies: pumpkin, chocolate, lemon
- Pancakes or waffles
- Soft peppermint ice cream
Comforting, fun, and safe for brackets — what’s not to love? And if cookies served are hard, you can always dip them in milk or hot chocolate to soften them up first!
Day 9: Nine Holiday Smile Moments You Might Notice This Season
The holidays bring small, heartfelt moments that make the season special. Here are a few your family might notice…
- Seeing decorations go up
- Laughing through holiday movies together
- Opening gifts with joy
- Taking cozy winter photos
- Reuniting with friends and relatives
- Enjoying a break from school
- Making memories during family traditions
- Hearing holiday music everywhere
- Feeling hopeful for the year ahead
Day 10: Ten Travel Must-Haves
If your family is heading out of town, pack a simple orthodontic travel kit with:
- Floss
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Orthodontic wax
- Extra elastics
- A small mirror
- Hand sanitizer
- Mouthwash
- Aligner case (if using aligners)
- Water bottle
Perfect for keeping smiles comfortable during holiday trips!
Day 11: Eleven Braces Colors Matching Outfits
Braces can complement any holiday look — from matching pajamas to cozy sweaters to sparkly holiday dresses. Kids and teens love choosing fun colors for the season.
Day 12: Twelve Months Closer to Your New Smile
As the year wraps up, it’s a wonderful moment to celebrate how far your child has come.
Every appointment, elastic, and adjustment brings them one step closer to the confident smile they’re working toward.
Warm Holiday Wishes from McDonough Orthodontics
As your family enjoys the magic of the season, we hope these holiday braces tips bring comfort and confidence to every smile in your home. Whether your child needs quick adjustment, festive braces colors, or a little reassurance during winter break, our team is here to help every step of the way.
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season — and a bright, beautiful new year ahead.
6070 S. 1300 E., Suite 202
Murray, UT 84121