The world’s biggest soccer tournament is bringing families together this summer. Whether you’re cheering from the couch, hosting a watch party, or spending your weekends on the sidelines of your own child’s soccer games, there’s plenty to celebrate.
Summer is also one of the busiest times of year for families. Between vacations, sports camps, tournaments, and backyard barbecues, orthodontic care can easily take a back seat.
The good news? Keeping your smile healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to keep your braces or Invisalign treatment on track while enjoying all the excitement of soccer season.
Why Every Athlete With Braces Needs a Mouthguard
Just like shin guards protect your legs, a mouthguard protects your smile.
If your child plays soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, football, or any contact sport, wearing a mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent injuries.
For patients with braces, an orthodontic mouthguard can help:
- Protect brackets and wires from impact
- Prevent cuts to the inside of the lips and cheeks
- Reduce the risk of unexpected orthodontic emergencies
A properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard is designed to fit comfortably over braces while still allowing room for teeth to move throughout treatment.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, mouthguards are one of the easiest ways to help protect teeth during sports.
Braces-Friendly Game Day Snacks
Every great team needs the right fuel, and the same goes for your smile.
If you’re packing snacks for the soccer field or planning a World Cup watch party, choose foods that are easy on braces.
Some winning options include:
- Yogurt
- Cheese sticks
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Applesauce
- Pasta salad
- Soft sandwiches
- Smoothies
If you have braces, try to avoid:
- Popcorn kernels
- Hard candies
- Sticky caramel
- Taffy
- Ice
- Hard pretzels
If you’re wearing Invisalign®, remember to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water and brush before putting them back in.
Keep Your Smile Healthy During Summer Sports
Long days at the field often mean extra snacks, sports drinks, and busy schedules.
A few simple habits can help keep treatment moving smoothly:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Brush after meals whenever possible.
- Pack a travel toothbrush if you’ll be away all day.
- Wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day.
- Don’t forget your mouthguard for every practice and game.
Small daily habits make a big difference over the course of treatment.
Don’t Let Summer Interrupt Your Orthodontic Treatment
Summer calendars fill up fast.
Between vacations, camps, family reunions, and sports tournaments, it’s easy for orthodontic appointments to slip through the cracks.
If you’re already a patient at Molen Orthodontics, now is a great time to check your upcoming appointments and make sure your treatment stays on schedule.
Thinking about braces or Invisalign?
Summer is actually one of the best times to begin treatment. Many patients appreciate having a few weeks to adjust before heading back to school in the fall.
Even better, families can schedule complimentary consultations for multiple children at the same time. Seeing siblings together helps save trips, simplifies scheduling, and makes it easier to plan treatment for the whole family.
Why Summer Is a Great Time to Start Braces or Invisalign
Parents often ask when the best time is to begin orthodontic treatment.
For many families, the answer is summer.
Benefits include:
- More flexibility in your family’s schedule
- Time to adjust before school starts
- Easier appointment scheduling
- Less worry about missing class
- Plenty of time to build new brushing and flossing routines
Whether your child is preparing for another school year or you’re considering treatment for yourself, summer offers a great opportunity to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child play soccer with braces?
Absolutely. We encourage kids to stay active while wearing braces. An orthodontic mouthguard provides important protection during practices and games.
Is Invisalign a good option for athletes?
Many teens and adults enjoy the flexibility of Invisalign because the aligners are removable for meals and easy to keep clean. During sports, your orthodontist can recommend the best approach based on your treatment plan.
What should I do if a bracket breaks during a game?
Don’t panic. If a wire is causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover it and contact your orthodontic office as soon as possible to schedule a repair.
Your Smile Is Part of the Team
Whether your family is watching every World Cup match or spending every weekend at the soccer field, your smile deserves the same attention as the rest of your game-day preparation.
Protecting your braces, choosing smile-friendly snacks, and keeping appointments on schedule can help ensure your treatment stays on track all summer long.
If you’re searching for an orthodontist in Auburn, an orthodontist in Enumclaw, or an orthodontist in Sumner-Bonney Lake, the team at Molen Orthodontics is here to help.
We proudly offer:
- Complimentary orthodontic consultations
- Braces for kids, teens, and adults
- Invisalign for kids, teens, and adults
- Flexible scheduling for busy families
- Sibling consultations to save you time
This summer, let your smile be the real MVP.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover why families throughout Auburn, Enumclaw, and Sumner-Bonney Lake trust Molen Orthodontics for healthy, confident smiles.
