Turkey, Taffy, and Trays: The Kahan Orthodontics Survival Guide to Holiday Eating and Travel in Tarzana

The holiday season is filled with food, family, and travel—and for patients with braces or Invisalign®, it can present some unique challenges. Whether you or your teen is celebrating Thanksgiving in Tarzana or visiting relatives out of town, keeping your smile safe and your treatment on track doesn’t have to be stressful.

This simple survival guide from Kahan Orthodontics covers which holiday foods are safe, which ones to skip, and how to manage your aligners while traveling. With a little preparation, you can enjoy every moment of the holidays—without any orthodontic mishaps.

Part 1: The Braces Holiday Feast Survival Plan

If you have traditional braces, your top priority is to protect your brackets and wires from breaking. A loose bracket or bent wire can delay treatment progress, so stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods and avoid anything sticky or crunchy.

✅ Safe Holiday Foods

Many classic holiday dishes are perfectly fine for braces:

1. Meats: Sliced turkey, ham, or roast beef (cut into small bites). Avoid biting directly into bones.
2. Sides: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, and soft-cooked vegetables.
3. Desserts: Pumpkin pie (without hard crust), cheesecake, soft cookies, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolates.
4. Drinks: Hot chocolate and eggnog—both delicious and braces-friendly!

🚫 Foods to Avoid

Some holiday favorites can harm your appliances:

1. Hard candies: Candy canes, peppermints, and lollipops can pop off brackets.
2. Sticky sweets: Caramel, taffy, and chewy toffee pull at wires and brackets.
3. Hard nuts: Whole pecans or almonds can damage wires. (Ground nuts in soft desserts are fine.)
4. Crunchy snacks: Popcorn, pretzels, and hard cookies are off-limits.

Tip: Cut food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth to reduce stress on your braces.

Part 2: Invisalign & Holiday Travel—Staying on Track

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign® is flexibility. You can remove your trays when eating—but that freedom comes with responsibility! Between parties, travel, and family meals, it’s easy to forget to wear your aligners for the recommended time.

The 22-Hour Rule

Invisalign works best when worn 22 hours per day. That means you can remove them to eat, but they should go right back in afterward.

1. Take aligners out only during main meals.
2. Avoid sipping sugary drinks or snacking without your trays.
3. Always bring your aligner case so they don’t get tossed in a napkin by mistake.

Traveling? Pack Smart.

If you’re traveling away from Tarzana or Encino this season, bring a small Invisalign travel kit that includes:

1. Your current and next set of aligners (just in case).
2. A sturdy aligner case to keep them safe.
3. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for after every meal.
4. Chewies to help seat your aligners properly.

Consistency is key—even when you’re on the go!

Part 3: Enhanced Oral Hygiene—Fighting the Holiday Sugar Rush

Holiday treats mean more sugar, which can lead to more plaque buildup. Whether you have braces or Invisalign®, keeping your teeth clean is especially important this time of year.

1. For Braces: Brush carefully around each bracket after every meal. A water flosser or special orthodontic floss can help clean hard-to-reach spots.
2. For Invisalign: Remove your trays before brushing and flossing as usual. Clean your aligners with a soft toothbrush and cool water—never hot water, which can warp the plastic.

Good hygiene keeps your enamel strong and your smile healthy, so you can enjoy those holiday photos with confidence!

Conclusion: Focus on Fun, Not Frustration

The holidays are about celebration—not stress. With a little planning, you can enjoy all the food, fun, and family time while protecting your smile.

At Kahan Orthodontics, our Tarzana and Encino patients get the guidance and tools they need to stay on track, even during the busiest season of the year.

If you have questions about travel, holiday meals, or aligner care, call us today. We’re here to help you keep your smile bright and worry-free all season long.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from your orthodontist. Individual results and treatment experiences may vary.