Ah, summertime in Austin. Sun-filled days, pool parties, and plenty of BBQs. But if you or your child wears braces, you might find yourself wondering how to keep those braces in great shape while enjoying everything summer has to offer. After all, no one wants to interrupt their summer fun with broken brackets or unexpected trips to the orthodontist.

At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics, we’re here to help you breeze through the season with a smile. In this guide, you’ll find expert tips from Dr. Travis and Dr. Jennifer Tomblyn on how to protect your braces and stay on track with your orthodontic journey.

Why Caring for Braces in Summer is Essential

Summer activities often come with unique challenges for braces wearers. Between outdoor adventures, changes to meal routines, and sugary snacks, it’s easy to accidentally damage your braces or delay your treatment progress.

That’s why proper care is more important than ever during the warmer months. With the right precautions, you can ensure your braces withstand the fun while still moving your teeth toward their perfect positions.

5 Common Summer Risks for Braces, and How to Avoid Them

1. Sticky and Hard Snacks

S’mores by the campfire, caramel apples at a fair, or gummy bears during a pool day. Summer’s tempting treats can wreak havoc on your braces. Sticky or hard foods can loosen brackets, break wires, or get stuck in hard-to-reach places.

Instead, opt for braces-friendly snacks like soft fruits, cheese cubes, or yogurt. It’s always a good idea to cut crunchy fruits and veggies, like apples and carrots, into smaller pieces before eating.

2. Staying Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which increases plaque buildup and the risk of cavities. Make water your go-to summer beverage, and avoid sugary sodas and sports drinks. If you do indulge, be sure to brush your teeth or drink a glass of water afterward to wash away any sugar or acid.

3. Active Adventures

Whether it’s pickup basketball with friends or a full-contact soccer match, summer sports can put your braces at risk. An athletic mouthguard is your best defense against damaged brackets or wires, or worse, injury to your lips or gums. Ask Dr. Travis or Dr. Jen about custom-fitted mouthguards designed for braces to ensure both comfort and protection.

4. Travel Challenges

If your summer plans include trips out of Austin, packing a braces care kit is a must. Include essentials like a travel toothbrush, orthodontic wax, floss threaders, and extra elastics. You’ll thank yourself when that stray wire starts irritating your cheek mid-hike or after a long flight.

5. Missed Appointments

With busy summer schedules, it can be easy to forget orthodontic appointments. But regular visits ensure your treatment stays on track. Tomblyn Family Orthodontics offers three convenient Austin-area locations in Central Austin, Westlake, and Steiner Ranch, making summer checkups simple and stress-free for local families.

Expert Tips for a Smile-Friendly Summer

To keep your braces in top condition this summer, follow these simple yet effective tips:

• Brush your teeth after every meal using a fluoride toothpaste, focusing on cleaning around brackets and wires.
• Floss daily with special floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks to remove debris between teeth and braces.
• Pack orthodontic essentials in your bag if you’re spending long days away from home: think road trips or lake outings.
• Wear your elastics or rubber bands exactly as directed by Dr. Travis and Dr. Jen to avoid delays in treatment completion.
• Steer clear of biting into foods like whole corn-on-the-cob or crunchy taco shells: choose softer alternatives instead.

Why Families Trust Tomblyn Family Orthodontics

Choosing the right orthodontic team makes all the difference, especially during the busy summer months. Tomblyn Family Orthodontics is led by Dr. Travis and Dr. Jen Tomblyn, a husband-wife duo who are passionate about delivering hands-on, personalized care. 

As a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign provider, our practice has treated more Invisalign cases than 99% of providers nationwide, proof of the skill and experience you can count on. Plus, our complimentary consultations include x-rays and intraoral photos, which means you receive a thorough, no-cost evaluation with no referral needed. 

And with our commitment to giving back and more than $100,000 donated to local causes so far, you’re not just receiving exceptional care. You’re supporting a practice that invests in the Austin community. We understand the importance of convenience, too, with three offices to serve families across Central Austin, Westlake, and Steiner Ranch.

Keep Smiling All Summer Long

Your braces are an investment in your future smile, and with a little extra care, you can protect that investment all summer long. At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of your orthodontic journey. Whether you’re looking for advice on braces care or it’s time to check in on your treatment, our team is just a call or text away.

Looking for friendly, doctor-led orthodontic care in Austin? Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Travis and Dr. Jen today by calling (512) 732-2500. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams while enjoying all the joys of summer. Your best smile is just around the corner!