The winter break that runs from late December through early January is the longest stretch of unstructured time most families experience all year. West Michigan schools, including Grandville, West Ottawa, and Holland Public Schools, were out for nearly two weeks, and during that time, normal routines tend to fall apart.
Sleep schedules shift. Meals happen at odd hours. And the daily habits that keep orthodontic treatment on track often get lost in the holiday shuffle.
What Dr. Porto Sees Every January
The evidence of holiday disruption shows up at January appointments. Some kids maintained their routines beautifully and arrive with clean teeth and healthy gums. Others clearly struggled, showing up with:
- More plaque buildup than usual
- Reports of forgotten rubber bands
- Occasional bracket damage from holiday candy that should have been avoided
The difference between these outcomes usually comes down to whether families planned for the disruption or just hoped things would work out.
Resetting Oral Hygiene Habits
If your child’s oral hygiene slipped during break, the first step is acknowledging it without making anyone feel terrible. Shame doesn’t motivate lasting change, and most kids already know they didn’t do their best.
What actually helps:
- Re-establish structure with the same brushing times each day (right after waking up, after every meal, and right before bed)
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Use a reminder system if needed for the first week back
- Parents may need to do more checking in than they were doing before the holidays
- Focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on what didn’t happen
Rubber Band Compliance Reset
Rubber bands are easy to forget when you’re sleeping in, eating at irregular times, and not following normal patterns. If your child was supposed to wear bands over break and didn’t, it’s not a disaster, but it does mean some lost progress.
The best approach:
- Simply start fresh with consistent wear going forward
- Don’t try to wear bands extra hours to “make up” for missed time—this can actually cause problems
- Set phone reminders if forgetfulness is an ongoing issue
If Something Broke During the Holidays
Whether from candy, a sports injury, or just bad luck, don’t wait to address broken brackets or poking wires. A loose bracket might seem like a minor inconvenience, but leaving it unaddressed can:
- Slow treatment progress
- Cause unnecessary discomfort
- Lead to bigger problems down the road
Call our Grandville or Holland office to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
Time for a Supply Check
January is also a good time to take stock of your orthodontic supplies at home:
- Toothbrush: Replace if bristles are frayed
- Floss threaders or interdental brushes: Make sure you have enough to last a few months
- Orthodontic wax: Confirm your supply is adequate for minor irritations
- Rubber bands: If applicable, make sure you’re not running low
Starting the year organized sets a positive tone for the months of treatment ahead.
The Transition Is an Opportunity
The return to school and normal schedules is the perfect time to recommit to habits that make orthodontic treatment successful. Your child’s smile at the end of this process depends on what happens between appointments, not just during them.
Need to schedule a post-holiday checkup or repair appointment? Contact Enjoy Orthodontics in Grandville or Holland to get back on track.
