There’s something about December in Homer Glen that makes every kitchen smell festive and every get-together feel like a mini feast. But for those with braces, holiday cheer can come with a side of hesitation before digging into dessert. Dr. Ryan Booth and Dr. Evan Booth want every patient at Booth Orthodontics to enjoy the season without missing out on the flavors that make it special. Next, let’s unwrap the braces-friendly holiday treats that keep your smile, and your spirits, bright all season long.
Sweet Treats That Make the Nice List
Holiday sweets don’t have to be off-limits just because braces are part of the celebration. With a few soft, crowd-pleasing favorites, you can fill your dessert plate without a second thought. Think creamy, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth textures, all the things that make December desserts feel comforting and carefree.
Some braces-safe winners include:
- Pumpkin or sweet potato pie with a soft crust
- Cheesecake topped with whipped cream or berries
- Warm bread pudding or chocolate mousse
- Soft sugar cookies without nuts or crunchy toppings
- Gooey brownies or cupcakes with smooth frosting
You can even swing by local favorites like Sweet Goodness Cakes & Bakes or Carpe Diem Dessert for festive treats that fit the bill. Next, let’s move from the dessert table to the dinner spread and look at savory holiday favorites that keep braces feeling their best.
Savory Holiday Favorites That Work with Braces
The holidays aren’t all about sweets, sometimes the best memories come from passing around warm plates of comfort food. Dr. Ryan Booth, Dr. Evan Booth, and the team at Booth Orthodontics know that festive meals can still feel hearty and flavorful without giving your braces a hard time. Soft, slow-cooked, and melt-in-your-mouth textures make dinner both delicious and braces-safe.
Here are some holiday classics that fit the bill:
- Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
- Mac and cheese or baked pasta
- Soft veggies like roasted carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes
- Tender turkey, ham, or roast chicken
- Buttery dinner rolls or stuffing soaked in gravy
If you’re grabbing ingredients locally, spots like Meijer across from Booth Orthodontics or Fleckenstein’s Bakery in nearby New Lenox are perfect for picking up soft rolls or side dishes. Next, let’s look at a few holiday treats that don’t play quite as nicely with braces, and how to swap them for safer options.
The Naughty List: Treats to Avoid
Even the most tempting holiday tables come with a few troublemakers for braces. Sticky, crunchy, or hard snacks can easily bend wires or pop a bracket, which is why Booth Orthodontics encourages patients to pause before biting into anything that could do more harm than good. The good news is for every risky treat, there’s an easy, braces-safe swap waiting on the next plate.
Here’s what to skip this season:
- Hard candy or candy canes — they can chip brackets or bend wires
- Caramel, toffee, and brittle — sticky sweets that cling in all the wrong places
- Popcorn and nuts — small pieces can get wedged between brackets
- Crunchy cookies or pretzels — tougher textures that can break wires
Dr. Ryan Booth and Dr. Evan Booth remind patients that skipping these treats doesn’t mean missing out. Next, let’s step into the kitchen and see how a few creative, braces-safe traditions can make your holidays even sweeter.
Booth-Approved Holiday Flavors
Kitchens around Homer Glen come alive during the holidays with the sound of mixing spoons, favorite playlists, and maybe a little friendly frosting competition. Dr. Ryan Booth, Dr. Evan Booth, and the Booth Orthodontics team love seeing patients find new ways to enjoy the season’s flavors without worrying about their braces slowing them down.
The Cozy Cocoa Station
Swap crunchy toppings for soft, chocolatey fun. Build your own cocoa bar with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and drizzles of caramel sauce. Add a plate of soft sugar cookies from Sugar Shack Cookie Co for the perfect finishing touch.
Breakfast Before the Snow
Cold mornings call for something warm. Try a baked French toast casserole or cinnamon-apple oatmeal that fills the house with the smell of winter comfort.
Sweet Traditions That Stick (in a Good Way)
Family cookie night still works with braces. Choose soft dough, smooth frosting, and sprinkles instead of hard candies. You can even grab ready-to-decorate kits to keep things simple.
From cocoa nights to cookie decorating, these braces-friendly twists keep the holidays full of flavor and fun. Next, let’s look at how to keep your smile shining bright once the last dessert plate is cleared.
Holiday Hygiene Tips That Save Your Smile
Between cocoa refills, cookie swaps, and back-to-back holiday parties, braces care can easily fall off the radar. That’s why Dr. Ryan Booth, Dr. Evan Booth, and the team at Booth Orthodontics like to share a few quick reminders that fit right into the holiday rhythm.
Try these small habits that make a big difference:
- Brushafter treats: Even soft desserts can leave behind sticky sugars. Keep a mini toothbrush in your bag or car for quick touch-ups.
- Floss before the lights go out: Water flossers or threaders keep things simple after a long night of family fun.
- Sip smart: Water between bites helps rinse away sugars and keeps your mouth fresh between meals.
- Pack a mini braces kit: A few rubber bands, orthodontic wax, and floss picks make travel days and sleepovers easier.
- Stick to your checkups: A quick visit before the new year keeps your treatment moving forward and your smile feeling ready for all those family photos.
Stay mindful, enjoy the moments, and your braces will carry you into the new year looking and feeling your best.
Smiles That Shine Past the Season
The holidays are sweeter when you can enjoy every bite without worry, and that’s exactly what Booth Orthodontics is here for. Dr. Ryan Booth and Dr. Evan Booth combine care, comfort, and community spirit to keep smiles glowing across Homer Glen, Lemont, and Lockport all year long. Schedule your free visit and start the new year with confidence, braces, cookies, and all!
Dr. Ryan Booth