1. Choose one of our complimentary brightly colored cases and use it!

Choose a bright colored case that will stand out. It will be less likely to be lost. Get into the habit of placing your retainer in its case when it is not in your mouth.

2. Be consistent with your routine!

If wearing your retainer only at night, place your retainer and case next to your toothbrush. After you have brushed your teeth before bedtime, put your retainer in your mouth. In the morning, put the retainer right back in the case next to your toothbrush. If wearing your retainer to school, carry your case in your lunchbox or your backpack so that it is handy during lunchtime.

3. Don’t put it in your pocket!

It is very tempting to take your retainer out to eat and slip it in your pocket. Retainers are fragile and are at risk of distorting or breaking in a pocket. Because they are lightweight, they can easily fall out of a pocket undetected. Many retainers have been stepped on because they fell out of a loose pocket.

4. Misplacing it on vacation!

First, kudos to you that you remembered to take your retainer on vacation! Because you are out of your daily routine, it is easy to lose track of your retainer. Be sure to find a safe location for your retainer case when you arrive and don’t leave it behind!

5. Leaving it on the lunch tray or wrapping it in a napkin!

It is tempting to take out your retainer and put it on your lunch tray or wrap it in a napkin. If you leave it on the lunch tray, it is possible that it will be sent to the garbage with unwanted food when the lunch bell rings. Never wrap your retainer in a napkin or paper towel. Hiding your retainer in a napkin is the easiest way to throw it away! Considering the cost of replacing retainers, it is likely your parents will make you look through the trash. Imagine digging through Taco Bell trash for a missing retainer! Yuck!

6. Leaving it out for your dog or cat!

Your dog/cat loves your retainer almost as much as they love you! They are attracted to your scent so if left within reach, your retainer becomes a very expensive chew toy. Avoid this by making sure your retainer is in its case and out of reach of your beloved four-legged friend. If they are able to get up on counters or can reach the spot you have selected to keep it at, we highly recommend keeping it in a drawer instead!

The use of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can make orthodontic treatment more accessible. HSA and FSA accounts let you set aside tax-free money to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Orthodontic treatment qualifies as a medical expense as long as an orthodontist has recommended it. By using tax-free money in your HSA or FSA, you save your personal money! Oftentimes, you can use orthodontic insurance along with your HSA or FSA, resulting in a relatively low out of pocket cost.

Some things to remember, while an HSA rolls over from year to year, an FSA does not. So make sure to use those FSA dollars before they expire at the end of the year! Whether you decide to have braces or clear aligners, both are an eligible expense. Open enrollment for these programs has a limited window in the fall, so give us a call sooner rather than later to get on our schedule for information on treatment eligibility and estimated treatment fees. Planning a little ahead can mean significant savings!

2022 Open Enrollment Deadlines:

• November 1, 2022: Open Enrollment begins. Apply Here for or change your coverage.
• December 15, 2022: Deadline in order to have coverage that begins on January 1, 2023.
• January 15, 2023: Deadline in order to have coverage that begins on February 1, 2023.

Due to his condition, he has been tested for numerous other issues that can occur. Even though there was a very slim chance, he ended up developing Cerebral Palsy from the condition as well. His parents and sister, Gemma, have not let any of these “letdown” appointments hold him back from being his smiley, sweet self and exceeding expectations. He has an awesome team that is helping him grow and learn through therapy while his mother has now joined the board for one of the top CP research firms in America, United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska.

Sam’s story inspired the Fishers staff to select UCPNE for our quarterly donation. With our donation, we would be supporting families like the Walsh’s by helping to fund “fun raisers” and other events that create inclusive spaces for the children and their families.

To learn more about UCPNE or make your own donation, please visit: https://ucpnebraska.org To learn more about Sam’s story and to follow his journey, please follow his Instagram account.

Pack the Tools

Regardless of all of the fun activities, don’t forget to take the time to keep your teeth clean. A braces travel kit doesn’t take up much room and will help you while you are on the go.

Eat the Right Foods

Adhering to braces-friendly foods while on vacation is extra important to ensure that no wires or brackets become dislodged while away. While on vacation, this may not be so easy, but the last thing you want to do is leave your vacation fun to find an orthodontist to fix the problem.

Here are some things you should always skip:

Traveling with Spark Aligners

It Is easy to neglect the required 20-22 hours of aligner wear while enjoying vacation. Set a reminder on your phone to help you stay on track! All of the progress you made prior to vacation will come to a screeching halt if you stop wearing your trays. Always carry your case with you and immediately put your trays in the case while eating and drinking. Avoid wrapping them up in napkins or they will get thrown away. Be sure to bring as many trays as needed to avoid disrupting your treatment. Pack the previously worn tray and the next tray, just in case something happens to the current one.

What to do for Common Mishaps

Poking wires – It’s normal for wires to shift while your teeth are moving causing a pokey end. Such an irritation can wait until you return home. We recommend using the wax you packed to alleviate the pain. If long enough, it can be carefully clipped with nail clippers or small wire cutters.

Wire slips out of the back – Light wires often slip out of the back brackets. No need to worry! Many can guide it back into the tube or rest it under the tube temporarily. You can use wax to cushion it or clip it in extreme cases.

Broken brackets – A loose bracket between 2 other fixed brackets can remain in place until you can return to our office. It may slide on the wire, but shouldn’t cause pain. If it is a back bracket, you can slide it off the back of the wire. If you are left with a long wire, it can be carefully clipped with nail clippers or small wire cutters.

Lost Spark trays – If you accidentally lose a tray, don’t panic! Wear your previous tray or your next tray until you get home. Contact our office and we will decide whether we need to reorder that one.

Contact Walker-Dixon Orthodontics

Just a little preparation and some forethought can prevent an orthodontic mishap. When in doubt, call or text us. We are here for you at Walker-Dixon Orthodontics even when you are on vacation. We can help you troubleshoot and determine the best course of action so you can continue to enjoy your much deserved vacation!

It is no surprise that there are many questions about mouthguards while in orthodontic treatment and we are here to help answer those inquiries!

Why should I wear a mouthguard with braces?

When worn properly, a mouthguard will limit the damage to the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth when there is a hit to the face. It can also protect the lips and the cheeks from being damaged by orthodontic appliances.

Can I use a boil and bite mouthguard?

A mouthguard that is custom fit with a boil and bite method cannot be worn during orthodontic treatment. This type can get wrapped around your braces and get stuck in place! It can also damage your braces. Also, during orthodontics your teeth are constantly changing, so a custom fit mouthguard will not fit for the duration of your treatment.

Where do I buy a mouthguard for braces?

Most sporting goods stores and online vendors sell mouthguards for braces. At Walker-Dixon Orthodontics, we have the blue Shock Doctor mouthguards available to our patients. This brand is approved by the American Association of Orthodontists so we highly recommend them! The mouthguards are offered in adult and youth sizes, with or without a strap. We are happy to help you choose the size that fits your mouth the best! The Shock Doctor mouthguards are lightweight and can also be trimmed for better comfort. They allow the teeth to shift and therefore can be worn for the duration of orthodontic treatment.

How do I place my mouthguard over my braces?

Luckily, the Shock Doctor mouthguards are made of a squishy flexible material. You should gently place it over your top braces and slowly bite your lower teeth into it. When removing it, don’t yank it out quickly, but gently peel it away from the brackets so you don’t break any.

Can I wear my clear aligners (Spark trays) instead of a mouthguard?

The Spark trays do not replace a mouthguard when required for a contact sport. The aligners should be removed and a regular mouthguard be worn. Again, a boil and bite or custom mouthguard will not fit long term because the teeth are constantly changing during treatment whether you are in braces or aligners. If you are opting against a mouthguard for non-contact sports, your Spark trays can still be worn and offer some protection.

How do I take care of my orthodontic mouthguard?

It is important to clean your mouthguard after every time you have worn it. Drs. Walker and Dixon recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any bacteria and to keep it clean and fresh. Mouthguards should be kept in a case when not being worn, kept away from direct sunlight and of course, away from your pets!

We hope this post helped answer any questions you or a child may have had in regards to protecting teeth during orthodontic treatment! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to give us a call!

Victory Junction was dreamed up by a former race car driver, Adam Petty. He was not only passionate about racing, but also the livelihood of children. He would often visit pediatric hospitals between races. After his tragic passing from a racing accident, his family and friends turned his dream of starting a camp to help children with serious health conditions into a reality. The 84 acre camp, Victory Junction, opened in 2004 and is located in the hills of Randleman, North Carolina. It is a place where kids can be kids, regardless of their health status. They can play and make friends while experiencing a camp life that most would not be able to experience otherwise. Their mission is to enrich the lives of children with serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, all while being free to the children or their families.

Learn more about Victory Junction here: https://victoryjunction.org

Feed Your Neighbor is a program that provides food to families in need. The program has sites located in Indianapolis, Anderson and Bluffton. They have provided over 74k families with meals and have distributed over 1.5 million pounds of food. Their ultimate goal is to share hope with the families who are provided food during tough times. The program is designed to serve anyone and everyone experiencing financial hardship in our community. Not only do they aim to meet the nutritional needs of those who come to a site, but they also will sit and provide emotional support as needed.

Learn more about Feed Your Neighbor here: http://feedyourneighbor.com

Thank you for taking the time to learn about a couple of our favorite philanthropies. We hope that you all remember the causes that are close to your heart during this time of giving. From everyone here at Walker-Dixon Orthodontics, have a wonderful holiday season!

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays just around the corner, we wanted to pause for a moment to express our gratitude to both our staff and patients.

We are thankful each and every day to work with such an amazing group of women! Each one of you is dedicated and willing to go above and beyond for us and our patients. You make this a terrific place to work and visit! Thank you for your hard work, day in and day out, to serve our patients. You all make Walker-Dixon Orthodontics what it is!

We are so grateful to our amazing patients and families who make each day extraordinary! We are thankful for you and your trust as we work together to make your smile the best it can be!

You have all certainly made us count our blessings! We extend our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you, your families and loved ones! May the coming year bring much health and happiness!

All the Best,
Dr. Walker & Dr. Dixon

Meet Our Walker-Dixon Family

Did someone say candy!? Halloween is just around the corner and we thought it would be a good idea to review what candy is safe to eat with braces/appliances and which treats should be avoided. Soft treats that aren’t sticky, chewy or hard are safe for braces and can be enjoyed by all of our patients! Everything else should be tossed to the sibling, parent or spouse that isn’t currently in treatment. Another great idea is to put all the “no-no” candy in a ziplock and save it as a treat for after the braces come off! Such an awesome reward for being a great patient, right?!

We hope this helps everyone plan their fall fun and Halloween activities! Stay tuned for a look at our annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Be sure to place your votes on our social media posts and in the office! We can’t wait to see what fun themes our local dental friends come up with this year!

HALLOWEEN CANDY & FALL TREATS

• Some Safe to Eat Candy/Treats (Soft, Non-Sticky)
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Pieces, Pumpkins/Bats
• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars & Kisses
• Sugar Free Gum
• Marshmallows/Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
• Pixie Sticks
• M&M’s (Not Peanut)
• Pirate’s Booty (Puffcorn)
• Pop Rocks
• 3 Musketeers
• Mounds
• York Patties
• Junior Mints
• Meringues
• Donuts
• Cakes & Cupcakes
• Soft Baked Cookies & Brownies
• Edible Cookie Dough
• Truffles
• Whoopie Pies & Other Soft Baked Goods

Want to see some fun fall and Halloween recipes that are braces safe? Follow us on Pinterest for more! https://www.pinterest.com/walkerdixonorthodontics/

Some Candy/Treats to Avoid (Hard, Crunchy, Sticky, Chewy)

• Snickers
• Tootsie Rolls
• Starburst
• Skittles
• Suckers
• Warheads
• Bubblegum
• Gummy Bears/Gummy Worms
• Twizzlers/Red Vines
• Taffy
• Milky Way
• Caramels
• Twix
• Gobstoppers
• Jellybeans
• Candy Apples
• Candy Corn
• Popcorn with Kernels
• Milk Duds
• Jolly Ranchers

We have had a number of new patients retreated in our practice after investing a lot of money with their mail-order aligners. These patients were unhappy with their results and the follow-through from a professional. We understand the attractiveness of having treatment done in the comfort of your own home, but we cannot stress enough that it needs to be done under the care of an orthodontist. The original treatment planning by a trained orthodontist, using orthodontic records to diagnose your problem and their knowledge of tooth movement, is essential to ensure safe and efficient treatment leading to beautiful results.

Without the supervision of an orthodontist before, during, and after clear aligner treatment, your teeth are at RISK. This type of mail-order treatment can lead to tooth injuries or dental complications that will be more expensive to fix in the future. If you are considering treating your teeth with clear aligners in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, we welcome you to submit a complimentary Virtual Smile Consultation right here on our website!