Your Summer Survival Guide with Braces: Advice from Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics
Protect your smile this season with our guide to braces-safe eating at every cookout and pool party.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Summer Is Extra Tricky with Braces
Smart Snacking: What to Bring to Cookouts
What to Avoid: Hidden Dangers at Pool Parties
Quick Fixes for Common Brace Breaks on the Go
Aligners or Braces: Summer Edition
Staying on Track Amid Travel and Schedules
Why Indiana Families Count on Puntillo & Crane
Conclusion: Have Fun & Keep Smiling
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Summer in Indiana is all about sunshine, backyard barbecues, and family fun. But for our patients at Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, it's also a time to be extra mindful of your smile. With over 30 years of experience shaping beautiful grins across Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, and Valparaiso, our team—including
Dr. Puntillo,
Dr. Crane, and
Dr. Gardiner—is here to help you protect your braces or Invisalign® without missing a single moment of summertime joy.
Think of this guide as your summer survival kit: packed with delicious and safe snack ideas, quick fixes for unexpected issues, and smart strategies to keep your treatment timeline on track. So enjoy the pool, dig into that cookout—and let your smile stay strong and confident all season long.
Why Summer Is Extra Tricky with Braces
Summer brings more social events, casual eating, and busy schedules—often far from your daily routine. Whether you're at a neighborhood picnic, on a road trip, or hanging out by the pool, new foods, delayed check-ins, and minor accidents can cause small orthodontic issues that add up quickly.
That's why we advise everyone with braces or aligners to prepare ahead: knowing what to eat, packing your dental essentials, and staying aware of potential trouble spots. With a little planning and the support of our team across Indiana, you'll be ready for every summer moment—no brackets harmed!
Smart Snacking: What to Bring to Cookouts
Summer cookouts are full of tempting treats. Here are delicious, braces-safe foods for your next gathering:
- Soft sandwiches or wraps—cut into bite-size pieces
- Tender pulled pork or grilled chicken (boneless)
- Pasta salad or macaroni 'n cheese
- Potato salad or mashed potatoes
- Fruit cups or soft fruit like watermelon and berries
- Yogurt parfaits or pudding cups
These foods let you indulge in all the flavors of summer while keeping brackets and wires safe.
What to Avoid: Hidden Dangers at Pool Parties
Even innocent-looking snacks and poolside treats can pose a risk to your orthodontic progress:
- Whole corn on the cob – cut it off the cob first
- Sticky candies or marshmallows – they can pull brackets off
- Hard chips and pretzels – notorious for causing breakages
- Tough meat on bones – avoid biting down directly
Safety tip: replace hard fruit with smoothie bars, and skip crunchy ice—trail-sized portable smoothies are braces-friendly and hydrating, too.
Quick Fixes for Common Brace Breaks on the Go
There's nothing like a broken bracket mid-swim or popped wire poolside to ruin the mood. But before you stress, here are simple, portable solutions:
- Loose bracket: leave it on and cover it with wax—call our office to schedule a fix.
- Poking wire: use your emergency kit—tuck the wire under with a pencil eraser or tweezers, then apply wax.
- Sore mouth spots after dry weather or pool time: rinse with warm salt water and apply wax until we see you.
Our teams are always ready to help—even via text at
219‑244‑2524 if you're on the go.
Aligners or Braces: Summer Edition
If you're wearing Invisalign®, you've got a leg up on summer convenience—but it still takes some savvy care.
Invisalign® allows you to:
- Remove trays for meals—no food restrictions here!
- Brush and floss without navigating braces hardware.
- Maintain confidence in every selfie and splash zone.
Summer Invisalign® tips:
- Always bring your current and previous aligners in a sturdy case—never wrap them in a napkin!
- Rinse your mouth and trays after eating—gum, juice, or even sweet tea can stain or warp them.
- Chew "chewies" to seat trays properly, especially after flights or long breaks.
- Keep trays protected during pool time—sun and chemicals can damage them if left exposed to the elements.
This summer, let your aligners work for you—just like your braces work for your future smile!
Staying on Track Amid Travel and Schedules
Vacations disrupt routines, but consistency is the key to timely treatment progress—whether with braces or aligners.
Quick strategies to stay aligned:
- Set alarms to brush and floss after meals.
- Bring your dental travel kit wherever you go.
- Track your Invisalign® wear and tray changes in a notes app.
- For braces, use elastics on schedule—even on vacation.
- Book future appointments at your location:
- Crown Point: 219‑267‑1922
- Merrillville: 219‑769‑7447
- Schererville: 219‑322‑8552
- Valparaiso: 219‑462‑3537
A small reminder now ensures your smile stays on track all summer long.
Why Indiana Families Count on Puntillo & Crane
For over three decades, our teams in Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, and Valparaiso have been honored to support Indiana families on their orthodontic journey. Here's what sets us apart:
- Decades of Experience: More than 30 years of crafting beautiful smiles.
- Family-Focused Care: Multiple generations trust us with their kids' and adults' orthodontic care.
- Comprehensive Services: Traditional braces and Invisalign® solutions tailored to your needs.
- Top-Rated Service: A glowing ★★★★★ rating from over 845 happy families.
- Easy Communication: Call or text us (219‑244‑2524) for support anywhere.
We're much more than orthodontists—we're your lifetime smile partners.
Conclusion: Have Fun & Keep Smiling
Summer is about making memories, not worrying about braces. By packing a travel kit, choosing smile-safe foods, and staying diligent with care, your orthodontic treatment can stay stress-free and on schedule. Whether you're at a backyard cookout, a road-trip diner, or by the pool, trust your orthodontic care to adapt alongside your adventures. With Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics in your corner, your summer smile remains bright and beautiful.
Our team is here not just to straighten teeth—but to support every moment of your smile journey. That means helping you enjoy the present while planning for a future full of confidence. We know that a small slip in care can delay progress, but a little preparation keeps things on track and empowers you to focus on what matters: fun, freedom, and unforgettable memories.
So go ahead—pack your sunscreen, your travel kit, and that bright smile. Let us handle the rest. Your summer adventures await—brace for fun, smile with confidence, and enjoy every moment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I snack freely while wearing Invisalign in the summer?
Yes! Just make sure trays are out before eating and clean before reinserting.
What do I do if I break a bracket during summer fun?
Cover it with wax and contact the nearest office to schedule a repair.
Are popsicles safe with braces?
As long as they're soft and without chunks—yes! Stay away from hard blends.
Should I still wear elastics while traveling?
Definitely—following your prescribed wear schedule is vital, even on vacation.
Can I text for help if I'm away from home?
Absolutely! Text support is available at 219‑244‑2524 for quick advice wherever you are.
