Summer in South Florida is all about sunshine, travel, and spending time with family and friends. Whether you’re hitting the beach in Miami, grabbing a smoothie in Brickell, or heading out on a weekend getaway from Weston, there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave behind: your dental care routine.
At Smarter Orthodontics, we know that summer break often means changes in routines, travel plans, and a few more sweet treats than usual. But keeping your smile healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart tips, and support from Dr. Yazji and our team, you can protect your braces, aligners, and overall dental health all summer long.
Why Summer Dental Care Matters
Even though it’s a more relaxed time of year, summer can present hidden risks for your teeth and gums. Heat, dehydration, sugary snacks, and disruptions in your daily habits can lead to issues like cavities, gum irritation, and even damaged braces.
For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, summer is a critical time to stay consistent. Whether you’re wearing braces or clear aligners, sticking to your care plan will help you stay on track toward your smile goals.
Summer Dental Tips for Braces and Aligners
- Pack a Travel-Friendly Dental Kit
If you’re heading out on vacation, don’t forget to bring your essentials: toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss threaders or picks, orthodontic wax, and extra aligner trays if needed. Keep everything in a small bag you can take on the go.
For patients with aligners, bring your case and avoid wrapping your aligners in napkins, this is one of the most common ways they get lost!
- Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to more than just your energy levels, it helps protect your teeth too. Drinking plenty of water washes away food particles and sugar, and helps maintain healthy saliva flow, which prevents tooth decay.
In the heat of a Miami summer, water should be your go-to beverage, especially if you’re wearing appliances that can trap food or bacteria.
- Go Easy on Sugary Snacks and Drinks
We all love a cool soda or popsicle on a hot day, but these can increase the risk of cavities and enamel erosion. For those with braces, sticky and hard snacks like caramel, popcorn, or ice can also damage brackets and wires.
Choose fresh fruit, yogurt, soft cheese, or smoothies instead. These summer-friendly snacks are not only safer for your braces but also great for your overall oral health.
- Keep Wearing Your Aligners (Even on Vacation!)
It can be tempting to skip a day or two of aligners while traveling or hanging out with friends, but consistent wear is essential. You should wear your aligners for at least 20–22 hours per day to see results.
At Smarter Orthodontics, we often remind our Brickell and Weston patients that aligner success depends on discipline. If you lose or damage a tray while on vacation, call us right away so we can guide you on the next steps.
- Stick to Your Brushing and Flossing Routine
Summer schedules can be unpredictable, but brushing twice a day and flossing once a day should never take a break. If you’re wearing braces, take extra care to clean around brackets and wires. If you’re using aligners, brush after every meal before putting them back in to avoid trapping bacteria.
Need help brushing properly with orthodontic appliances? Check out our guide to orthodontic dental cleanings for expert tips.
Bonus: Schedule a Mid-Summer Check-In
If you’ll be traveling during your regular appointment or heading away for camp or college soon, summer is the perfect time to come in for a quick check-up. Dr. Yazji and our team can assess your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure you’re staying on track.
With locations in Miami, Brickell, and Weston, Smarter Orthodontics makes it easy to get the care you need—even during the busiest time of year.
How to Handle Common Summer Orthodontic Issues
- Broken bracket or poking wire? Use orthodontic wax to cover any irritation and call us to schedule a repair.
- Lost aligner? If you’re close to the end of your current tray period, we may advise moving to the next one. If not, we can replace the lost tray to avoid delays in your treatment.
- Sore teeth from eating something too hard? Stick to soft foods, use cold compresses, and let us know if the pain doesn’t improve.
Our team is always just a phone call away, no matter where your summer plans take you.
Keep Smiling All Summer Long
Whether you’re enjoying the sunshine in Weston, exploring the city in Brickell, or relaxing by the coast in Miami, your smile deserves the same care and attention it gets during the rest of the year.
At Smarter Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With more than 30 years of experience and a passion for transforming smiles, Dr. Yazji and her team are proud to offer expert orthodontic care that fits your lifestyle.
Let us help you keep your smile healthy, bright, and on track this summer.
Request a complimentary consultation to learn more about braces, aligners, and how to protect your smile, no matter the season.