For a teenager, there’s nothing quite like the adventure of a sleepover – late-night chats, binge-watching favorite movies, and creating unforgettable memories with friends. But, when you’ve just started your orthodontic treatment, a sleepover might come with a bit of anxiety.
Will your braces or clear aligners complicate your fun evening? Not at all! With some thoughtful preparation, you can enjoy your sleepover and focus on spending quality time with friends – not your braces or aligners.
Enjoying Your Sleepover if You Have Braces
If you are straightening your teeth with the most common orthodontic treatment of all time, congratulations! Braces can be easy to maintain because you can’t take them out and forget them. The downside? Some foods should be approached with caution, and you want to be diligent about cleaning.
Pack Braces-friendly Snacks
A sleepover isn’t complete without snacks, but traditional sleepover favorites like popcorn or sticky candies could lead to broken brackets or wires and uncomfortable stuck-on food. You can have your parents check with your host’s mom or dad to see what kind of snacks might be served. Alternatively, ask if it is okay to bring some of your own to share!
Opting for braces-friendly choices like soft fruits, cheese cubes, or yogurt is best. For a crunchy popcorn alternative, try lighter baked chips, cheese puffs, or veggie straws. And if you want something sweet, plain milk or dark chocolate is orthodontist approved!
Oral Hygiene Kit
Maintaining your oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Pack your toothbrush, orthodontic floss or pick, mouthwash, and fluoride toothpaste. Your oral hygiene routine might take a bit longer than your friends, but it’s necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Wax and Extra Rubber Bands
Unexpected issues can arise, like a loose bracket causing discomfort or a snapped rubber band. Be prepared by bringing orthodontic wax to apply over any sharp edges, providing temporary relief until you can see your orthodontist. Remember to pack extra rubber bands, too.
Prepping for Your Sleepover with Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces. The good news is you can take them out and snack on anything you like. But it’s a good idea to still make sure you plan ahead.
Your Aligner Case
As we said, one of the significant advantages of clear aligners is the ability to remove them when eating or drinking. However, this feature also means there’s a chance you could misplace them. Remember to bring your aligner case to safely store your aligners whenever you remove them, ensuring they’re not accidentally thrown away or lost amidst the sleepover chaos. We recommend getting a brightly colored case and ALWAYS putting it somewhere safe, like your overnight bag, while eating.
Cleaning Supplies
Maintaining clean aligners is paramount for oral health and avoiding bad breath. Your aligner cleaning kit should include a soft toothbrush, cleaning crystals or tablets, and a cup or container for soaking. Remember, cleaning your aligners doesn’t need to feel like a chore, and it’s a small price to pay for the freedom and discretion clear aligners provide.
Keep the Aligners In!
Your aligners only work when you wear them, and you should aim to keep them in for 20-22 hours a day. A sleepover, while fun, isn’t an excuse to skip time with your aligners. After snacking or meals, ensure you put your aligners back in. Why not set a timer or an alarm on your phone as a gentle reminder? Your future perfect-smile self will thank you.
Making the Most of Your Sleepover
Anxiety about managing your orthodontic treatment while balancing your social life is natural. However, with some proactive preparation and by making your needs known, you can have a fantastic sleepover experience. Your friends will understand, and some of them may also be going through orthodontic treatment now, in the past, or in the near future.
As always, should you have any concerns about managing your braces or clear aligners during specific activities or events, reach out to our office. We’re here to ensure your orthodontic journey is as smooth, comfortable, and worry-free as possible.
